Sun Safety Tips: Protecting Your Skin This Summer

When the sun comes out in Wakefield, so do we — heading to Thornes Park, Pugneys, or simply enjoying a pub garden. Sun safety tips for protecting your skin are worth knowing before you head out, because while sunshine is brilliant for mood and vitamin D, UV radiation can damage your skin cells if you're not careful.

This post covers practical sun safety tips and how to protect your skin without having to avoid the sun altogether. It's about being sensible.

Why Sun Safety Matters

UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun causes real damage to skin cells. In the short term, this leads to sunburn — painful, red, and sometimes blistered skin that stings for days. In the longer term, repeated sun damage contributes to premature skin ageing, age spots, and can increase the risk of skin-related health concerns.

Everyone is at risk from UV damage, regardless of skin tone — though people with fairer skin, light hair, and freckles do tend to burn more quickly. Children's skin is particularly sensitive, so extra care is needed for young ones. And yes, you can burn on cloudy days — up to 80% of UV radiation penetrates through cloud cover.

The NHS advice is straightforward: sun protection matters for everyone, not just beachgoers.

When and Where You're Most at Risk

The strength of UV radiation depends on several factors:

• Time of year — UV levels in the UK peak between April and September
• Time of day — UV is strongest between 11am and 3pm
• Cloud cover — Cloud doesn't block UV rays effectively
• Altitude and reflection — UV increases at higher altitudes, and bounces off water, sand, and snow, so you can catch sun even in the shade near a beach or ski slope

You can check the UV index for Wakefield through weather apps or the Met Office website. When the UV index is 3 or above, sun protection is recommended.

Sun Safety Tips: Sunscreen, Clothing, and Shade

Get Sunscreen Right

Sunscreen is one of the most effective tools for protecting your skin — but only if you use it properly.

• Choose broad-spectrum — this protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Use SPF 30 minimum — higher factors offer more protection, but the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is modest. SPF 30 is usually sufficient if you apply it correctly.
• Apply generously — this is where most people go wrong. Adults need roughly a shot glass-sized amount (about 6 teaspoons) for the whole body.
• Reapply every two hours — and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towelling off
• Don't forget easy-to-miss areas — ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, part line, and the scalp (especially if you have thinner hair)

Wear Protective Clothing

Clothing is a physical barrier and provides excellent protection:

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck
• Choose loose, lightweight clothing that covers your shoulders and upper arms — modern "rash guard" or UV-protection swimwear is designed for this
• Sunglasses with UV protection shield your eyes and the delicate skin around them

Seek Shade

During the middle of the day — roughly 11am to 3pm — spend time in shade when you can. Outdoor activities during summer don't have to mean constant sun exposure. A parasol, tree cover, or popping indoors for lunch gives your skin a genuine break.

Protecting Children and Managing Dehydration

Children's skin requires extra care and is far more sensitive to UV damage than adults'. Here's what to do:

• Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight altogether
• For toddlers and young children, use high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50) designed for children, dress them in protective clothing and hats, and encourage shade play during the hottest part of the day
• Dress children in long-sleeved rash guards for water play
• Reapply sunscreen frequently — children sweat more and spend more time in water

Hot, sunny weather increases the risk of dehydration — and dehydration in the heat can escalate quickly. Watch for signs such as dark urine, excessive thirst, headache, and dizziness. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you're being active outdoors.

If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke — such as high temperature, confusion, or loss of consciousness — call 999 immediately.

What to Do If You've Caught Too Much Sun

Despite your best efforts, sunburn can still happen. If it does:

1. Get out of the sun as soon as you notice your skin turning pink or feeling hot
2. Cool the skin with a cool (not cold) shower, bath, or damp flannel
3. Stay hydrated — drink extra water
4. Apply aftersun or a soothing moisturiser — these can help relieve discomfort. Specialized soothing products contain ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin, designed specifically for sun-damaged skin rather than everyday moisturising.
5. Avoid further sun exposure until the sunburn has completely healed

Important: If you develop severe sunburn with blistering, a high temperature, dizziness, or feel unwell, seek medical advice. Contact your GP, call NHS 111, or speak to your pharmacist at Kingfisher. Severe cases can develop into heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which requires prompt treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sunscreen expire? Yes. Check the expiry date on the bottle. Using expired sunscreen may not provide adequate protection.

Can I reuse last year's sunscreen? If it's within its expiry date and has been stored properly (cool, dry place, lid on), it should be fine. However, if it smells odd, has changed colour, or has separated, replace it. Sunscreen left in a hot car all summer may degrade faster.

Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days? Yes, if the UV index is 3 or above — and often it is during summer months. Up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate through cloud cover, so you can burn without realising it.

Is more expensive sunscreen better? Not necessarily. What matters is the SPF rating, broad-spectrum protection, and proper application. A £3 bottle applied generously and regularly is far more effective than an expensive one used sparingly. Your pharmacist at Kingfisher can help you choose a product that suits your skin and budget.

What's the difference between sunscreen and sunblock? Sunscreen contains chemical UV absorbers (which absorb UV rays and convert them to heat), while sunblock contains physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (which reflect UV rays). Both work; physical blockers are often preferred for sensitive skin.

Can I apply sunscreen once in the morning and forget about it? No. Sunscreen loses effectiveness as you sweat, move around, and spend time in water. Reapplication every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, is essential. Setting a phone reminder can help if you're spending a long day outdoors.

What should I do about sun spots or age spots? These are caused by years of sun exposure. Prevention (sunscreen now) is better than cure. If you're concerned about existing spots, speak to your GP or pharmacist — there are treatments available, but sun damage prevention is always the best approach.

Getting Sun Safety Help in Wakefield

At Kingfisher Pharmacy on Kirkgate in Wakefield city centre, we stock a range of sun protection products — sunscreens, rash guards, and aftersun treatments. Our team can help you choose the right sunscreen for your skin type, advise on sun safety for children and older adults, and provide guidance if you or a family member has caught too much sun.

Pop in before your next day out — a quick conversation with our pharmacist can help you enjoy the summer sunshine safely. We're open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and Saturday mornings. Give us a call on 01924 291898 if you'd like to ask a question before visiting.