Sun Awareness Week 2024

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, this year's campaign will focus on raising awareness about non-melanoma skin cancer and the best way of checking for this very common type of skin cancer.

Tanning has always been popular, but excessive tanning can be disastrous for your skin health and your eyes. Follow our top tips to protect yourself from the sun this Sun Awareness Week 2024.

Do you really need sun for vitamin D?

Regular sunlight exposure is the best way to get vitamin D. Just 10 minutes a day of sun exposure should be enough to get your recommended daily allowance. In places like the UK where there is very little sunlight through the winter, it’s recommended that people take a daily vitamin D supplement during this time to ensure they don’t become deficient.

Although sunlight exposure is necessary, too much can be damaging to our health, causing everything from a higher risk of skin cancer to cataracts.

Wear sunglasses

Too much sun exposure can cause cataracts, sunburnt eyes, growths on the eye, and even eye cancer. It’s important to always wear sunglasses outside, even on overcast days, as UV radiation can penetrate clouds. At Feel Good Contacts, all our sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, so you can stay safe in the sun.

Prescription sunglasses

To get the best of both worlds, you can turn your glasses into prescription sunglasses. Simply choose your preferred glasses frame from our site, enter your prescription (or send it to us after your purchase), and then select the ‘full tint’ option at checkout.

You can also wear contact lenses with a UV filter for additional protection from harmful UV radiation.

Transition lenses

Transition lenses, also known as photochromic lenses, will allow you to walk around inside with clear lenses and enjoy the UV protection of tinted lenses when you step outside.

Gradient lenses

Gradient sunglasses are a versatile accessory. They have a darker tint at the top of the lens and graduate towards a clear lens at the bottom. Gradient sunglasses are perfect for driving as they protect your eyes from the sun overhead whilst allowing you to see the road in front clearly. Some of the recommended gradient sunglasses are :-

Stay in the shade

You can have fun in the sun without being directly exposed to it. Wide-brim hats and parasols are great options for keeping the shade close by. Some sun exposure is good for us as this is how the body obtains vitamin D, but a small amount of exposure is all you need.

You should avoid being in the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, as this is the time of day when the sun can cause the most damage. Even when you are wearing sunscreen, remaining in the shade for large portions of the day will help you to avoid burning. The danger of sunburn is that it can increase your risk of developing health issues such as skin cancer, and the more you get burnt, the higher your risk becomes.

Wear sunscreen

You should always apply broad-spectrum SPF to all exposed skin, at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. ‘Broad spectrum’ means that the SPF will protect you against UVA and UVB rays. There are many formulations of sun cream now available, including roll-on, spray, cream and aerosol. Just remember to apply enough product (about two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimetre of skin). If you don’t apply enough product, then you won’t get the full amount of protection.

Keep eyes hydrated

Warmer weather can make your eyes feel dry, especially if you wear contact lenses or suffer from seasonal allergies. Soothe dry and/or irritated eyes with some eye drops such as our comfi Soothe Drops. This gentle formula replicates your natural tears and can be used with or without contact lenses.

Feel Good Contacts is the most trusted online eyecare retailer offering contact lenses at unbeatable prices. From UV-protected lenses to modern silicone hydrogel lenses at up to 50% cheaper prices than high street opticians.