Appropriate sunscreen is essential.
Some sun protection is required when UK levels are medium (3-5) or high (6-7), the WHO says.
Extra sun protection is required when UV levels are very high (8-10) or extremely high (11+).
Children are more sensitive to UV radiation than adults, and therefore require additional protection at lower levels than adults.
The NHS advises, external using sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or above and which offers at least 4-star UVA protection.
It should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck and ears - and head if you have thinning or no hair - ideally 30 minutes before you go out into the sun.
As a guide, adults should aim to apply about six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen if covering the entire body.
It should be reapplied every two hours, or sooner if you sweat a lot, have been in water, or after drying yourself with a towel.
In addition, the NHS recommends:
covering up with suitable clothing and wearing sunglasses
spending time in the shade when the sun is strongest - between 11:00 and 15:00 from March to October in the UK
