So It seems the Sun has finally made a welcome appearance, finally time to give up the ‘it always rains in Wales' jokes and start complaining it's too hot and we can't wait! We're highlighting the importance of skin protection, especially as May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide, with cases continuing to rise each year. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major contributor to skin damage and the development of skin cancer. It's easy to overlook the harmful effects of UV exposure, making it essential to educate ourselves and take measures to protect our skin.
Sunscreen Lotions and Sprays, offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, safeguarding your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and potential skin cancer risks. Sunscreen differs in SPF, which is the ‘Sun Protection Factor’ that indicates the level of protection we are getting from the suns UVB rays, which are the rays that are most commonly responsible for sun burns and skin cancer.
Here’s a comparison of SPF numbers and how they protect us;
- SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays
Always try to follow the Sunscreen Rules:
- Always remember the easily to forget areas like, ears, nose, shoulders, chest and neck
- Try to apply sunscreen 20mins before going outdoors
- Reapply properly every 2hours or after swimming, sweating or towelling off
- Choose an SPF that suits your skin type
- Don’t underestimate cloudy days, 90% of uv rays still find their way through clouds, meaning even if its not a sunny day you can still get fried
- Reflections off the water can increase sun exposure by up to 50%, always keep in mind when on and in the water
- The 5 'S's of sun protection: Sunscreen, sleeves, sunhat, sunglasses and shade
Squashing the biggest sunscreen myth:
“My sunscreen is SPF 50 so I don’t need to apply it as often”
False!! No matter the number associated with the SPF sunscreen only works for about 2 hours. The number refers to how much protection you’re getting from the sunscreen, but not how long it lasts.
We’re big fans of the Sun Bum range since stocking it in 2020, and we haven’t cheated with another sunscreen brand since, especially when we’re in and out of the water and sunshine all summer teaching Watersports activities, majorly dodging the sun and putting it sun protection to the test.
If you’re new to Sonny the Monkey and the SunBum brand, its a popular range of sunscreen products and beach equipment thats got an impressive sun protection CV that reads like this:
- 5/30/50 sun protection products
- Broad spectrum UVA/UVB
- Reef friendly
- Sheer moisturising formula
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- Cruelty free
- Hypoallergenic
We got some of our Abersoch Watersports Team to spill the beans on their favourite sunshine essential Sunbum products:
Woods-The Captain of Abersoch Waterports: SunBum Face Stick, SPF 30
“This is great for surfing, especially in the summer months, with the reflection of the water making the sun seem stronger. It does the job and is small and handy, always thrown in the surf bucket with the wetsuit and wax.
James our head SUP Instructor: Sun Bum SPF 50 Lotion
There was that one time, a few years back, early season and James got caught out, I say caught out, he really just completely forgot to apply sunscreen and burnt the tops of his feet and ankles so badly on all day SUP lessons, he now always remembers to 'Trust The Bum’ because looking like he was wearing red socks for a few days was really not his finest look, but it happens to us all, admit it!
With Sun Bum products by your side, you can enjoy the sun responsibly and confidently, knowing that your skin is in good hands. Always 'Trust the Bum'
Here's to a sun-safe and skin-healthy Abersoch summer ahead!