Sun Safety: Outdoor UV & Sunscreen
Enjoying time outside does not require intentional tanning. A tan should not be treated as sun protection.
Protect your skin outdoors
The NHS sun-safety guidance recommends combining shade, protective clothing and sunscreen:
- In the UK, seek shade when the sun is strongest, particularly between 11am and 3pm from March to October.
- Choose sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and at least four-star UVA protection.
- Apply it generously and reapply as directed, including after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
- Do not use sunscreen as a reason to stay in the sun longer.
Check UV, not just temperature
UV can be high even with cloud cover. The World Health Organization recommends protection from UV index 3.
Check product labels
A cosmetic tanning product should not be assumed to provide UV protection. Read the label and distinguish any stated SPF and UVA rating from other product descriptions.
Read more about UV light and how skin responds to tanning.
Information checked against the linked sources on 2 October 2026.