SUN! SUN! SUN!

Radiation attack

OK, so if you’re an astronaut then UVC may be high on your agenda of cosmic radiation that you want to avoid at all costs. But, given this aggressive ultra violet light is blocked by the ozone layer, all us humble campers have to watch out for are UVA and UVB. While UVB is primarily responsible for sunburn UVA penetrates deeper to cause skin aging. Both can damage the skin’s DNA and the pain you feel from sunburn is your body healing itself. Unfortunately, this may not be enough and charity Cancer Research UK (sunsmart.org.uk) says that just one painful sunburn every two years can triple the risk of a melanoma!

UV light can penetrate cloud cover so you can still get sunburn when it is overcast. It is worth remembering that summer months are higher risk periods and that UV are stronger the higher up you go. They also reflect off snow, sand and water so you can get burnt in unusual places like under the nose and behind the ears! Pay a little extra attention to the risks when on the beach or enjoying water sports.

• Apply a sunscreen regularly and generously – especially after getting wet. Forget price but look for a minimum SPF 15 or a high star rating. However, a higher rating does not mean you can stay out in the sun longer – just that it provides a few per cent extra protection.
• Be aware of your skin type and the prevailing UV index that tells you how strong the UV rays are at the time you go out. Prepare protection accordingly.
• Know how to spot skin cancer.

TIP Keep a close eye on children – you do not feel the effects of UV damage until too late so ensure they regularly rest in the shade, drink plenty of water and have sunscreen regularly applied.