Sunlight contains damaging ultraviolet (UV) A and B rays, which can cause sunburn and lead to some skin cancers.

All sunscreens contain sun protection factor (SPF). This is the measurement of the amount of UVB protection that a product provides. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should be used, but the higher the better. It is important that a high SPF is not used as an excuse to stay out in the sun for longer though.

The star system shows a product's protection against UVA in relation to UVB. You should recommend a product with five stars. Broad spectrum sun products are the best to recommend because they protect against both UVA and UVB light. Examples: Uvistat High Protection range (only available through pharmacies), Sunsense range, Nivea Sun range.

Customers should be advised to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses and seek the shade at the hottest times of day. Extra care should be taken to ensure that children don't burn.

Mild sunburn can be relieved with a cooling aftersun product to help soothe the skin or a crotamiton-containing cream. A topical antihistamine such as diphenhydramine can be used to relieve any itching. Examples: Eurax Cream, Benadryl Skin Allergy Relief Cream, Savlon Aftersun Foam Spray, Nivea Cooling After Sun Spray.