People in the UK are urged to take precautions when leaving the house during the next seven months, including keeping one particular item with them when outside. Despite mild, often cloudy weather in early spring and autumn, conditions can still be strong enough to cause damage, experts claim.

As spring unfolds across the UK, experts are advising residents to be vigilant about sun protection over the next several months. Although the early spring and autumn are typically marked by milder, often cloudy weather, these conditions can still expose individuals to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, according to health authorities.

Authorities from Cancer Research UK and the British Association of Dermatologists emphasize the importance of sun safety from March through October. During these months, the UV Index can climb to levels of three or higher, indicating a need for protective measures. Carrying and applying sunscreen regularly is among the recommended precautions to shield against potential skin damage.

The UV Index serves as a gauge for the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, ranging from a low score of one to an ‘extreme’ level of 11. The higher the index, the greater the necessity for skin and eye protection.

Experts from Which? have highlighted the deceptive nature of early spring weather: “Despite the chill in the air, the UV Index is already showing readings of three or four as spring begins. The Met Office advises seeking shade during midday, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen even when temperatures aren’t high.”

This heightened risk is partly due to occasional ‘low ozone’ events in the spring, as noted by the UK Health Security Agency. These events can allow more UVB radiation to penetrate the atmosphere than usual, intensifying the risk of sunburn. On clear April days, the UVB exposure can rival that of a typical summer day, catching many by surprise.

Even on cloudy days, it’s crucial to remain cautious, as over 90% of UV rays can penetrate light clouds, posing a risk of sunburn. As such, maintaining sun protection practices is advised to safeguard skin health throughout the season.

The NHS also backs this “March to October” advice, and claims people need to be most vigilant between 11am and 3pm. A spokesperson for the service claimed that Brits need to “strike a balance” between protecting themselves from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.

They added: “Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy.”

What are the best precautions to take?

One of the most common ways to reduce sun damage is to apply sunscreen. However, people should not assume that an old bottle from last summer is still safe to use.

Which? wrote: “Sunscreen generally lasts for one or two years after opening, so check the icon of a circular pot with an open lid that you’ll find on the back of the bottle to see what timeframe applies. Replace it with a newer bottle if necessary, as there’s no guarantee the active ingredients will still work optimally if it’s past its best.”

Ensure that sunscreen is applied to all exposed areas, with prime burning hotspots being the nose, ears, the back of the neck and shoulders, and the scalp. Areas that don’t typically get much sun, such as the soles of your feet or the backs of your knees, are also vulnerable.

The NHS added on its website that people should never settle for just sunscreen when trying to protect their skin from the sun. A spokesperson said: “Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun’s at its hottest.”