Skincare in the Spanish Sun

Unfortunately fun in the sun takes can take its toll on your skin, and it is vital that you protect yourself in the sun. Even on a cool day or when there are clouds in the sky the sun can still be strong enough to cause lasting damage.

Having sunlight is important because our skin uses it to produce vitamin D to help build and maintain strong bones. The sun gives out ultraviolet (UV) radiation that is made up of three types of rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC rays from the sun cannot get through the ozone layer, but UVA and UVB rays can and cause skin damage.

A suntan is a sign that your skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself. UV radiation stimulates your skin to produce more pigment and although tan will fade over time the skin damage remains.

Short-term overexposure to the sun can cause your skin to burn, making it red, hot and painful. Burnt skin can be soothed with calamine lotion or aftersun lotions. Severe sunburn with blistering may need medical treatment.

Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes overheated from overexposure to the sun. Symptoms include vomiting, headaches and fever and you should get to a cool place and drink plenty of fluids. If your temperature is higher than 39.5ºC on a thermometer, or your skin has become damp and clammy seek immediate medical treatment.

Early ageing is a result of the UVA rays deeply penetrating the skin, causing wrinkles, sagging and skin cancer.  It can also increase the risk of cataracts developing.

You should stay out of the sun between 11:00 and 15:00 when the sun's UV rays are strongest, and cover up with long-sleeved tops and trousers in materials that have a close weave as these tend to block out the most UV rays. Wet clothing stretches and lets more UV radiation through to your skin.

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses reduce the UV radiation reaching your face. Choose a pair of sunglasses that has the following labels: 100% UV protection and UV 400.

Apply sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. No sunscreen can offer 100 protection, but you will get more than 90%  protection from UVB rays with SPF 15 and about 98% protection with SPF 60. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you have  been swimming or sweating a lot.

Fake tanning lotions are a popular and safe alternative to sunbathing and sun beds. Spray tanning does not protect your skin from the sun, although some contain sun protection but the SPF is usually very low.