Stay Safe in and After the Summer Sun

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Sep 26, 2012, 03:00 ET

LONDON, September 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Each year more and more of us choose to holiday abroad, with cheap flights and the lure of guaranteed sun, sand and sea forming an irresistible combination. But with increased exposure to the blue skies and sunshine of exotic destinations comes an increased risk of harmful UV and sun damage.

After a surge of health campaigns in recent years, we're thankfully becoming more aware than ever of the real and serious risks of sun damage. According to NHS figures, around 90,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer and 2,600 die from the disease in the UK each year.

But as well as the obvious - and major - concerns including skin cancer, there are many other common conditions, which can have devastating effects on the skin. Over exposure to harmful ultra violet light can also cause conditions including Lentigines, commonly known as sun spots; Seborrheic Keratosis, a benign wart-like growth which appears on the face and chest; and Actinic Keratosis, a precancerous growth which can appear in the form of dry skin lesions or patches on the skin.

Naturally, the longer and more frequently skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, the higher the chances are of sustaining long term skin damage, but it's never too late to start looking after skin and protecting it from further damage.

While it's impossible to avoid the sun completely - and some exposure can boost vital Vitamin D levels - leading skin experts recommend covering up as much as possible in the sun. This doesn't mean dressing head to toe, but applying sun screen whenever skin is exposed to the sun, and choosing the appropriate SPF factor to ensure complete protection; at present the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) advises people to use a minimum SPF of 15 - although leading medics are calling for this to be increased.

After spending time in the sun, at any time of year, it's also vital to ensure skin is thoroughly rehydrated. Indeed, on a day-to-day basis, the hands and face are exposed any time you're outside - don't be fooled into thinking cloudy skies mean you're protected - so using a nourishing face and hand cream will keep your skin hydrated, and if you're conscious of using harmful chemicals on your skin, the Body Shop's organic skincare range is the perfect remedy.

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SOURCE The Body Shop