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Holiday health kit

Carmel Thomason
14/ 7/2008

WHEN it comes to packing for summer holidays, top of the list should be sun cream.

It might not be as exciting as that polka dot bikini you've had your eye on in the sales. But, get the sun cream wrong and you'll have more than a few odd looks on the beach to worry about.

That said, with so many types of sun cream to choose from, how do you know you are using the right one?

Brands are irrelevant when it comes to buying a sun cream, advises Dermatologist, Dr Paul Griffths, but there are some important things you need to look for.

"You need to make sure you are buying a product with a high enough sun protection factor or SPF to suit your skin type," he says. "Also, check your sun block protects against both UVA and UVB rays - this should be stated clearly on the bottle."

Effectiveness

The higher the SPF, the greater your protection. If you've got a pale Celtic complexion you won't tan so it is best to use a total block in the SPF 50 range. The number reflects how many times longer you can stay in the sun, while wearing the sun cream, without getting burned.

However, Paul warns that you must remember the SPFs are calculated in laboratories. That means that it doesn't take account of sweating in hot climates or swimming, which will reduce the effectiveness of all creams, even waterproof ones.

"Some creams say that you only need to apply once a day, but that doesn't take into account sweating and swimming," he says. "I'd suggest applying cream two or three times a day and always after swimming."

So, how much cream should you use?

"Many people don't use enough sun cream. For an adult, you would be looking at using an amount of sun block about the size of a golf ball. And remember to apply it to often neglected areas like your ears and feet."

Children

But what about children: do they need a special sun care?

"No. I think the main difference between adults and children's sun cream is in the branding. Children's sun block often tends to have a higher SPF, which is important because most skin damage occurs at a young age.

"Children's sun blocks also tend to have less chemicals added to them so can be a good choice for people with eczema and sensitive skin."

Sun block, of course is vital in looking after your skin in the sun but it is not the only way we can enjoy the weather safely. Wearing a hat is a good way to protect the delicate areas around the forehead and ears from the strongest UV rays and for walkers, many hats now come with a protective flap to cover the neck and shoulders.

Extra care needs to be taken when the weather is overcast or windy, especially on boat trips, as this can be a time when we can easily forget to apply sun block and get sunburned badly.

"If you do get burned, aloe vera gel can be very soothing," Paul adds. "Cooling down out of the sun is important and wrapping yourself in a wet sheet can help. You should also wear loose cotton clothing and take cool showers to quieten the sweat gland over activity."