NHS sunscreen 'mistake' Brits often make after 10am weather 'peak'

NHS sunscreen 'mistake' Brits often make after 10am weather 'peak' The NHS has reminded people to avoid a 'common mistake' this summer Brits have been urged to follow a crucial sun safety guideline from 10am this week, even when skies are overcast. Keeping this in mind could help avoid a painful issue with lasting effects. The latest Met Office predictions suggest that UV levels nationwide will be high to very high this week, reaching Index 7 to 8 in parts of the country - including the South, Midlands, Wales, and the North. These readings come alongside soaring temperatures that could surpass 30°C, like the recent scorching heatwave in June. You can check the local UV Index through a weather app or website, and most recommend sun protection from 10am if anything at three or above is predicted. The NHS advises people to consider protecting their skin with measures such as appropriate clothing and sunscreen. On Instagram, the NHS said: "Are you applying sunscreen correctly? Common mistakes could be leaving your skin more exposed than you think." The NHS issued this reminder to the public about vital sun safety 'rules' that many appear to overlook. One included a prompt to do something 30 minutes before stepping outside, reports the Express. Why does the 30-minute rule matter? The health service explained: "Sunscreen needs to be applied twice. 30 minutes before going out [and again] just before going out." Applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before stepping outdoors gives the formula time to settle and create a uniform, protective barrier across your skin. Allowing this extra window before venturing out ensures the product won't transfer onto clothing or run off when you perspire - unlike a single application slapped on just before departure. While sunscreen begins providing protection immediately, permitting it to set properly delivers optimal defence against harmful UV rays. Make sure to apply it before getting dressed to avoid leaving any areas exposed. Neglecting to protect your skin can lead to sunburn, which increases your risk of developing skin cancer. The NHS emphasised on its website that "people of all skin tones can get skin cancer" if they fail to take appropriate precautions. Brits repeatedly fall into the same familiar traps year after year, purely through forgetfulness or lack of awareness. Another NHS tip is to reapply "liberally and frequently", particularly after swimming or when using products marketed as water-resistant. The NHS website advises that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, as the sun can cause it to fade from your skin. This means applying it immediately after being in water, following towel-drying, after perspiring, or whenever it might have been wiped off. When reusing an older bottle of sunscreen, it is essential to verify the expiry date and check the symbol on the reverse to confirm how long the product remains safe to use after opening. Once unsealed, the active ingredients begin to deteriorate, rendering the lotion utterly worthless if the protective components have broken down. The most perilous mistake Brits can make is relying solely on sunscreen, with the NHS advising people to seek shade between 11am and 3pm, as these are the hottest periods of the day when UV levels are typically at their highest.