Protecting yourself from the sun: the best ways to look after your skin

With the arrival of summer, it is important to remember the risks of excessive sun exposure. Every summer, thousands of people are affected by sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer, but some simple steps can make all the difference.

IFSI students lead prevention campaign

Aware of these issues, second-year students at the Institute of Nurse Training (IFSI) recently took action, as part of their training, to warn the general public of the dangers of the sun. At an outdoor educational session, they offered reminders about the key principles of sun protection. The initiative reflects the solid commitment of the future health professionals to prevention, well beyond the hospital setting. Led by Dr Cavalié-Meiffren, a dermatologist at the Princess Grace Hospital, the initiative provided an opportunity to highlight the key steps to take.

Good habits to follow every day

Here’s some advice on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun:

• Avoid sun exposure between noon and 4 pm when UV rays are at their strongest
• Seek out shade wherever possible, especially during long periods of outdoor activity
• Wear clothing that offers cover and protection – hats, UV-protection sunglasses and UV-protective clothing for children
• Apply sunscreen suitable for your skin, with a high protection factor (minimum SPF 30). Apply every two hours, and routinely after bathing or sweating

Protecting yourself from the sun is easy and essential

This advice applies to all everyday activities, whether you’re at the beach, at the swimming pool, out for a walk or in town. It is particularly important for children, the elderly, and anyone with fair or sensitive skin.

By following these steps, we can all help to reduce the risks associated with the sun and protect our long-term health. And thanks to the commitment of tomorrow’s healthcare professionals, these vital messages will continue to reach as many people as possible.