A DOCTOR has issued a stark warning about applying sunscreen after seeing people make the same mistake over and over again.
The glorious sunshine we've been enjoying for the last few days may be good for our soul - but not so kind to our skin, especially when heading to the beach with no SPF protection.
The majority of us tend to assume that the second you've squirted some sunscreen all over your body the job is done for the day.
However, according to one doctor, wo's seem some pretty gnarly sun-related injuries, this not necessarily the case - and there's one common error to steer clear of this summer.
So, what do you need to do to stay protected from the harsh UV rays and avoid turning into a red lobster?
Well, Dr Lawrence Cunningham, of the UK Care Guide, explained that first and foremost many beauty buffs usually go too light when using sun cream.
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Chatting with Daily Star. the guru said: "In my experience, one of the most common mistakes people make with sunscreen is not applying enough.
"Many individuals think that a small dab here and there is sufficient, but to be fully effective, sunscreen needs to be applied generously. Another mistake is forgetting to reapply.
"Sunscreen wears off after a couple of hours, particularly if you're swimming or sweating, so reapplication is crucial for continued protection,'' the health professional warned.
Another frequent error is neglecting certain areas of the body, such as the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet - as well an often-forgotten spot.
According to the guru, these are areas are often exposed to the harmful sun rays and ''can burn just as easily as more obvious places like the face and arms''.
What does SPF stand for?
We've all heard about SPF and just how important it is to maintain a healthy skin and keep the first signs of ageing away - but do you know what the three letters actually mean?
Turns out, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor - and Dr Lawrence says it's essential to practise sun safety.
When purchasing this summer must-have - which you should use every day throughout the year - the bottle usually comes with a number next to SPF.
While the experts at the NHS advise that the SPF should be 30 at the very least, the doctor explained how high you go after depends on what skin you have and the activities you plan on doing in the sun.
An SPF of 30, he said, ''is generally sufficient for everyday activities where you might have incidental sun exposure''.
How to stay safe in hot weather
The UK Health Security Agency advised you follow these tips to reduce your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke:
- Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- If you are going to do a physical activity like exercising or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
- Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- If you go outside, cover up with light clothing, a hat and sunglasses and slather on sun cream
- Drink plenty of fluids but limit booze
- Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
- Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
Source: UKHSA
However, if you're spending longer periods outdoors, such as soaking up the sun at the beach or hiking, an SPF of 50 or higher is advisable.
"It’s also important to consider other factors, such as your skin's sensitivity and any previous history of sunburns or skin cancer.
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"In my practice, I always recommended that individuals with fair skin, a history of skin cancer, or those who are prone to burning easily opt for a higher SPF.
"Additionally, broad-spectrum sunscreens, which protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offer more comprehensive protection and are a wise choice for everyone."