Sun burn can be the ruin of many a good holiday.

Too much Sun is also well known to influence early aging (of the skin). However, forget the wrinkles the most important reason to protect yourself against the Sun is the association to skin and many other cancers.

With the right precautions you will be able to enjoy the Sun without fearing for your health.

If you have kids in tow be even more prepared to take care in the Sun. As damage today could be paid for many times over later in life.

1.    Keep out of the Sun during the main part of the day.  This is typically between the hours of 11am – 3pm but can vary by location and indeed time of year.
2.    Ensure that you have gently introduced your skin to the Sun prior to travel.  There is plenty to be said for building up your tolerance.  If you have fair skin and no exposure to the Sun then you will have to be extra careful.
3.    Use high factor Sun Creams.  This is most important at the beginning of your holiday.  Don’t be afraid of using high factors such as 20-25 at the beginning of your holiday.  You can gradually bring down the factors as you and your skin become more acclimatised.  For children I would suggest a full sun block.  Children with dark sun tans are not clever.
4.    Replace your Sun cream at regular intervals.  This can be a real pain but it is the best way of ensuring that you are protecting yourself from the Suns Rays.  We recommend that you apply your cream at least 15 minutes before venturing out and then aim to re-apply at least every 2 hours if not more frequently.
5.    Use water resistant cream if planning to go swimming in the Sun.  Many of jump in the pool or the sea for 10 minutes to ‘cool’ off from the scorching Sun but we forget that our cream is NOT water resistant.  This can be the undoing of many a holiday maker, particularly children.
6.    Wear a tee shirt.  This can be relevant if just lazing on a beach or swimming in the sea. We would highly recommend a tee shirt or similar if you know you will be walking about in the Sun all day (even during the midday Sun hours).  For kids this is a must, at the water park for instance.  Some water parks will get you to remove….well just put it back on when in the queue.
7.    Beware the sand and the water.  Remember both sand and water reflects the Sun.  I sun umbrella does not guarantee protection from the Suns rays while on the beach.
8.    Beware the cloudy day.  Many of us have been caught out on cloudy days.  The cloud can scatter the sun light and you can burn just as readily on a cloudy day as a clear day.  Be prepared.
9.    Wear a hat.  A hat is helpful to most to protect the face but essential to those with thinning hair.
10.  Stay out the Sun, boring but the safest of all.  Still possible to enjoy your resort, hotel, pool and beach and completely Sun safe.

Above all enjoy your holiday, enjoy the Sun and be safe.  Let’s face it we all like to have a moan if the weather is poor, so make the most of any Sun you get but be smart about it.