How do you prevent sunburn?  Is SPF needed everyday?  Why is it important to protect your skin from the sun??  These are the questions that are being answered by Petra today in this special post all about natural health and wellness! 

Petra is a blogger and founder of Green Beauty Talk and has a passion for all things relating to health, wellbeing, and green beauty.  And as the sunshine is getting stronger and the days remain warm as we move towards summer, a guide about preventing sunburn seemed perfect so I was happy to accept a contribution that helps spread the word about natural ways of keeping skin protected.  I hope you enjoy the seven tips shared too!

7 tips to help you prevent sunburn this summer

Skin cancer cases in the UK have increased faster than any other cancer cases and more people die from skin cancer in the UK than in Australia. Getting sunburn doubles your risk of getting the deadliest skin cancer, melanoma, but luckily the sunburn is something you can easily prevent, just follow these top tips:

• 1: Choose a good quality, high protection sunscreen
  Did you know that some sunscreens do not deliver the claimed SPF? Make sure you buy a reliable product, one that works and that can protect you well - don’t go for the cheapest and choose the sunscreen of at least SPF 30 which also has high UVA protection. I recommend using natural sunscreens to avoid any potentially harmful toxins.
  
  [Blogger Note: Did you know that many common ingredients found in high street sun creams contribute to coral bleaching?  This is why you should also check that the sunscreen you are using is reef safe!  You can find some of my favourites here]
  
  
• 2: Use enough sunscreen
  Never use sunscreen sparingly, ever. Make sure you generously apply it all over your body, not forgetting your ears, hands, toes and if you cannot reach a part of your body just ask somebody to help you.
  
  But how much is enough? British Association of Dermatologists recommend ‘to apply at least six full teaspoons (approximately 36 grams) to cover the body of an average adult, which is more than half a teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm and the face/neck (including ears), and just over one teaspoon to each leg, front of body and back of body.’ If you go for a two week holiday you will need A LOT of sunscreen.
  
  
• 3: Avoid the direct sun when it’s at its strongest
  Avoid spending time in the direct sun between 11 am and 3 pm – during this time stay in the shade as much as possible but still use the sunscreen. The sun’s rays can still reach you in the shade as they reflect from other surfaces.
  
  
• 4: Cover up!
  If you are really serious about preventing sunburn you will cover up. Short sleeves are better than cropped tops and vests and linen trousers are better than shorts. Something see through is not going to protect you as much as something that is not. Clothing is very important in sunburn prevention so do make use of it. Also, remember to wear a hat and UV protective sunglasses.
  
  
• 5: Reapply sunscreen regularly
  It’s very easy to forget to reapply sunscreen as often as necessary. Sunscreen needs regular reapplying as it can rub off your skin easily. It’s recommended to reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming, perspiring and towel drying.
  
  
• 6: Eat foods that help to protect skin from sunburn
  Did you know that certain foods can increase your skin’s ability to protect against UV damage? When you are planning to spend lots of time in the sun, increase your intake of foods rich in antioxidants such as tomatoes, red grapes and strawberries. Drinking lots of green tea will also help.
  
  
• 7: Don’t forget to use the sunscreen when it’s cloudy
  The sun’s rays can penetrate the clouds, although you cannot see it. If you spend the whole day outdoors with no sun protection when it’s cloudy, you can actually get sunburnt. Remember, never underestimate the power of invisible sun’s rays. Be smart and use your sunscreen also when it’s cloudy. Who cares what other people think?! If others get burnt because they didn’t apply the sun cream, you will be the one laughing at them at the end of the day.
  
  [Blogger Note: And remember, just because you can't see a burn doesn't mean that there was no damage done!  Your skin absorbs UV rays when you are outside during the day, and this exposure changes the cells over time.  This is why it is so important to apply SPF no matter the weather!]

Be kind to your body, don’t let it burn in the sun and increase your chances of getting skin cancer. Your body and skin health are precious, so treat them like that – use all the tips and tricks you can to avoid the sunburn and look younger. Don’t forget that excessive sun exposure without adequate sun protection can also lead to premature ageing, making you look older. Do you really want to look older than you are?

Written by Petra Kravos, a founder of Green Beauty Talk.