A doctor has debunked the myths around how to stay sun safe this summer.
According to Dr Preethi Daniel, a GP and clinical director at London Doctors Clinic, most people need to use around a shot glass worth of sun cream on their ears, forehead, nose, arms and legs to avoid dangerous burns.
Sun cream needs to be topped up at least every two hours, or more frequently if people have been swimming or heavily sweating, she adds.
For those who think wearing a t-shirt on the beach is enough, Dr Daniel warns this gives the same protection as SPF 7 sun cream, which drops to just SPF 3 when the clothing is wet.
Below, Dr Daniel reveals the top myths surrounding sun protection, as well as how to avoid cancer-causing burns and notice signs of skin damage.
A doctor has debunked the myths around how to stay sun safe this summer (stock)
Common myths about sun skincare
You don’t need sun cream when it is cloudy
UV rays can pass through clouds, smog and even car windows.
According to Dr Daniel, sun cream is essential even on cloudy days to avoid burns.
The higher the SPF, the better
SPF refers to the amount of protection people get from UV rays.
If someone usually burns within 10 minutes, SPF 15 gives them an extra 15 minutes in the sun before they start to burn, while SPF 30 gives them an extra 40 minutes.
Dr Daniel stresses, however, it is still possible to burn with sun cream on if it is not reapplied frequently.
Dark skinned people do not need sun cream
Melanin, which gives skin its pigment, offers some sun protection, however, it does not guarantee against cancer.
Lighter areas, such as under the nails and the palms of the hands, are particularly vulnerable to burning.
Skin is only damaged if you burn
Sunburn dramatically increases people’s risk of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Dr Daniel added, however, prolonged and persistent sun exposure, even without burning, can also lead to the disease.
How does the sun damage skin?
UV rays damage elastin fibres and collage in people’s skin.
UVB rays are responsible for tans, burns and skin cancer, while UVA reaches deeper into the skin, leading to wrinkles and age spots.
What are the key signs of sun damage and what should you do?
People should contact their GP if they notice skin lesions that are flat and crusty.
They should also seek medical advice if they find a mole has changed shape or size, or become itchy or crusty.
The medic recommends people use a shot-glass worth of sun cream on exposed areas (stock)