STAY WELL COVERED THIS SUMMER

Sun safety tips from Well Pharmacist, Wendy Lee.

With a mini heatwave set to arrive in the UK later in May, marking the start of a long-awaited sunny summer, research* reveals 83% of Brits would prefer to holiday here in the UK rather than travel abroad this year.

Whether you are planning a staycation in the UK or venturing further afield, making sure you take the right steps to protect you skin from the sun is important.

Pharmacist, Wendy Lee, from Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, shares her advice on how to stay safe in the sun no matter where you plan to spend your summer in 2021.

1.    Choose the right SPF

Applying sun cream is important to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Personally, I recommend a minimum of SPF 30 to my patients, with a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars.

2.    Think waterproof protection

If you and your family enjoy spending the day by the pool or the seaside, buying sun cream that is completely water-resistant is important. This will mean you can swim while staying protected.

3.    Sensitive skin? We’re here to help

There are sun creams specially formulated for sensitive skin. So, if you or your child suffers from eczema or sensitive skin, pop in and speak with our Well pharmacy team and they will be able to recommend you a sun cream which can protect sun sensitive skin from irritation.

4.    Apply every two hours

While you are out in the sun you should be thinking about re-applying every two hours, or immediately if you’ve been swimming. Lots of things can cause accidental removal like sweating, scrapes and scuffs so even if you buy ‘once a day’ protection you should continue to re-apply to make sure you and your family stay protected throughout the day.

5.    Check the date!

Most sun creams have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months after opening so make sure you check all your bottles for the expiry date before you apply! Also, make sure keep them stored away from direct sunlight.

6.    Limit your sun exposure

Sun cream is not the only way you can protect you and your family from the sun. I make sure my family have limited exposure between 11am and 3pm by moving to a shaded area. Clothing is also a great for sun protection such as hats, t-shirts and sunglasses. Babies under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight and remember young children skin is much more sensitive so take extra care!

7.    Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial and water is the best way to hydrate; you can also drink coconut water as an alternative to sports drinks or fruit infused water that has added flavour without the added sugar. Fruits and vegetables are also great sources of water – watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes can help keep you hydrated and maintain your health and wellbeing.

Ends

Editors notes

ABOUT WELL PHARMACY

Well have been offering pharmacy services for over 70 years to communities across the UK.

We’re the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, employing over 6,500 people and providing over 72 million prescriptions each year across our 760 pharmacies. Our pharmacists can provide advice on getting the best from medicines and general healthcare, as well as treating minor ailments and offering a range of health and wellbeing products – all without having to make an appointment.

In addition to our pharmacies, we give customers choice, with our online service for those who want the convenience of having their repeat prescriptions delivered direct to their home – available online or as an Apple (IOS) or Android app.

We also offer a range of healthcare items for sale via our online pharmacy: shop.well.co.uk Items are available for home delivery with a one off £4 delivery charge.

Our Bestway Medhub subsidiary provides a wholesaling service for independent pharmacies, and our Wardles subsidiary provides non-medicines (eg, medical consumables such as bandages and dressings).

The Well operation is supported by our Healthcare Service Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, sending out around 90 million stock items to our pharmacies each year. This semi-automated warehouse and distribution centre allows us to use a hub-and-spoke model for prescriptions. This means some items are assembled centrally and sent to pharmacies to handout out to their patients.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH

The research, commissioned by building society The Cumberland, revealed that the majority of British holidaymakers (83%) would prefer to holiday here in the UK rather than travel abroad this year.