Day one in the sun: the sensible version

Most of us in Ireland get roughly eleven days of proper sun a year, and we try to fit all of it into the first afternoon of the holiday. Don’t. The sun will still be there tomorrow.

The basics

• Sun cream: a high factor, put on about fifteen to thirty minutes before you go out. Use plenty of it, and put it on again every two hours and after swimming or towelling off.
• Shade: the middle of the day is the strongest. Plan the pool, the long lunch and the nap for then.
• A hat and sunglasses: they make a bigger difference than you would think.
• Water: carry more than you think you need.

The bits people miss

The tops of the feet, the back of the neck, the ears, the parting in your hair and the backs of the knees. Ask someone to do your back. Everyone has been caught by the bit they could not reach.

Children

Children’s skin is more delicate. Keep babies out of direct sun, and use shade, hats and clothing as well as cream for little ones.

If you do get caught

Get out of the sun, cool the skin with a cool shower, drink plenty of water and use an after-sun or aloe product. If the skin blisters, or you feel unwell, dizzy or feverish, speak to a pharmacist or a doctor. Don’t tough it out.

Seven things nobody tells you

1. A cloudy day can still burn you.
2. The water and the sand reflect the sun, so you get a bit more than you think.
3. In the Canaries in February, 22° feels mild but the sun is strong.
4. Last year’s sun cream may have expired. Check the date on the bottle.
5. Buying it at the airport is dearer than buying it at home.
6. Put it on the kids first, then yourself. You will be glad you did it in that order.
7. The tan is nice. The week with no skin is not.

You’ll thank me tomorrow, pet. Put it on.

General sun-safety advice, not medical advice. If you are worried about your skin or your health, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor.