Having conducted research in Skin Cancer and Melanoma Month (May 2023) that showed 27% of Brits worry about skin cancer and the same proportion have suffered sunburn on a foreign holiday[i], Europesure Travel Insurance has realised that more needs to be done to make holidaymakers more sun aware.
Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe in the sun and enjoy your holiday, free from the pain that comes from sunburn.
[i] Research carried out by independent research company, Censuswide, amongst a representative sample of 1000 British adults.
Europesure Travel Insurance's Sun Awareness Advice
Appreciate the danger of too much sun
Wherever your travels take you this summer, you will surely be anticipating long, hot sunny days and whether it's the tropical heat of Cancun, Mexico (which enjoys average temperatures well into the 30s) or the more moderate temperatures of Barcelona, in Spain (with its average of 25°C) it's important to prioritise sun safety during your trip.
Protecting yourself from harmful rays should ensure you avoid any painful side effects such as sunstroke and skin burns, which could potentially make you feel very unwell or result in an unwanted trip to the local health centre. It will also minimise long-term damage to your skin.
Too much UV (ultra violet) radiation from the sun can damage DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer. Do remember that skin can still burn on a cool and cloudy day.
The sun can be strong enough, even in the UK, to damage skin. According to Cancer Research UK, in the UK, almost 9 in 10 cases of melonoma skin cancer could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.
Understanding the UV index
This rating system provides important information about the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation - the higher the index figure, the less time it will take to damage your skin and the greater the need for protection. UV 1-2 = low exposure and no sun protection needed, through to UV 8-9 = very high exposure and sun protection needed at all times. Cancer Research UK has a helpful diagram here.
A helpful tip is to download the Met Office App – where you can get UV worldwide forecasts for the next 7 days.
Apply sunscreen
Although sunscreen does not protect the skin completely from sun damage, it does help to minimise damage and protect areas of the body that are more difficult to cover.
Always apply a good quality sunscreen and ensure it's the correct strength for your skin type. It is recommended to use a sun factor protection (SPF) of at least 15 (UVB protection) and the fairer your skin, the higher the SPF should be.
You should also look for sun protection with a high star-rating - 4 or 5 stars. This means that it meets EU standards.
Evenly apply plenty of cream about 20 minutes before going out and regularly re-apply cream – especially after swimming.
Seek shade
It's lovely to spend time in the sunshine but sitting in direct sun for long periods of time, or walking around and exploring for too long in the sun, can result in too much exposure to harmful UV rays. Wherever possible, find a place in the shade to rest, particularly when the sun is at its strongest, from around midday onwards. Find an umbrella, sit under a tree, or go indoors.
Wear protective clothing
It's lovely to spend time in the sunshine but sitting in direct sun for long periods of time, or walking around and exploring for too long in the sun, can result in too much exposure to harmful UV rays. Wherever possible, find a place in the shade to rest, particularly when the sun is at its strongest, from around midday onwards. Find an umbrella, sit under a tree, or go indoors.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they can contribute to dehydration.
Prioritise your health and well-being when travelling by following these simple steps to stay safe in the sun. For further peace of mind, book your travel insurance in advance of your next trip to ensure you can access medical treatment if needed. Buying travel insurance as soon as you book will also give you immediate cancellation benefits. Visit www.europesuretravelinsurance.com to find the right travel insurance policy for you.
