Cancer Research UK Sun Safety Campaign

Get sun smart
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NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK are working together to educate people across the UK on sun safety, helping to challenge common myths so everyone can better protect their skin and enjoy the sun safely.

Myth: The sun is strongest when it's hottest

Temperatures usually peak slightly later in the afternoon and tend to vary more than UV levels throughout the day. On warm, sunny summer days, enjoying the weather later on can still be pleasant and may reduce the risk of burning. However, regardless of the time of day, if the UV level reaches 3 or higher, it’s important to take appropriate sun safety measures.

Myth: I can't get sunburnt on cloudy days

You may hear this during gloomy UK summers, but it isn’t true! Harmful UV rays can still pass through clouds. Even on cloudy days, it’s important to check the UV index. If it reaches 3 (moderate) or higher, the sun can still be strong enough to cause sunburn, particularly for people who burn easily or have lighter skin tones.

Myth: The sun in the UK isn't strong enough to give me sunburn

Sun exposure can still be high, especially between mid-March and mid-October. Even if it doesn’t feel warm or the day is cloudy, it’s easy to underestimate how strong the sun can be, so remember to check the UV index. A simple way to judge this is the ‘shadow rule’: if your shadow is shorter than your height, the sun is strong and it’s time to take extra care.

Myth: You can't get sun damage through glass

While being indoors mostly protects you from sunburn caused by UVB rays, UVA rays can pass through glass and penetrate deeper into the skin. Spending long periods near windows, such as driving or sitting in a conservatory when the sun is strong, can increase the risk of long-term skin damage from UVA exposure.

Now that we’ve covered some common misconceptions, here are three simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves from strong sun, whether in the UK or abroad:

Seek shade

Especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK. Take breaks under trees, umbrellas or canopies, or head indoors.

Cover up

Wear clothes that cover your shoulders, along with a widebrimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses. The more skin covered, the better the protection.

Apply sunscreen

Use at least SPF 30 with 4 or 5 stars, and reapply regularly and generously, particularly after swimming, sweating or towelling.

Our Sun Safety Tour is back this summer!

We’re hitting the road across the UK, bringing sun-safe fun to family festivals all summer long. Look out for our Sun Safety Bus to get involved with games, win prizes and learn how to protect your skin - helping you enjoy the sun safely all summer long!

It's all Sun & Games safety tour 2026 dates:

23-24 May | Birmingham Pride
29-31 May | Wychwood Festival
30 Jul-2 Aug | Camp Bestival
7-9 Aug | Bristol Ballon Fiesta
28-30 Aug | Victorious

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Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London EC20 1JQ.

Cancer Research UK Sun Safety Campaign | NIVEA

Get sun smart IN SECONDS

NIVEA Sun PRODUCTS

Get sun smart
IN SECONDS

NIVEA Sun
PRODUCTS