Sun Safe

The sun is a source of life, it promotes vitamin D formation in the body and gives us a sense of well being and that feel good factor. However, prolonged exposure to the sun can be dangerous due to the UV (ultraviolet) rays emitted. Studies by the world health organisation incidcate a threefold increase in skin disease caused by harmful UV radiation.

The suns rays are at their strongest around midday. UV rays are invisible and cannot be felt on the skin (hence why you can get sunburnt on a cloudy, overcast day). They penetrate deeply into the skin's cells, causing changes that lead to sunburn, skin ageing, eye damage and skin cancer.

Skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. Everyone, no matter whether they tan easily or not should be protected from the sun all year round, with young people, particular children, at most risk. Experts believe that sunburn during childhood can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later on in life. Some say the chances of developing skin cancer are doubled by just one blistering sunburn by the age of 20.

External blinds provide a great way to stay in the shade whilst still being able to enjoy the sunny weather and ambience of being outdoors. They provide a UV barrier between the sun and our skin and therefore act in the same way as applying sun cream. Our exterior blinds and awnings all feature UV rated 801 fabrics that offer a sun protection factor from 40+ upto 80+, more than 4 times what is recommended by the Cancer Research UK Sunsmart campaign. This can increase the natural protection time of skin to direct sunlight anywhere between 200 minutes to a staggering 7200 minutes!