Summer is well and truly here and when the weather is nice, many of us like to make the most of it by sitting in our gardens and other outdoor spaces.
Spending time outside can do wonders for mental health, while the sunshine also tends to give moods a boost. Sunlight also provides vitamin D which is vital for keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
But as many of us know, too much sun can be bad for you.
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Shannen Godwin, an expert at UK-based bulb and plant retailer J.Parker's, told Mail Online there is a specific three-hour window you should avoid if you want to spend time in the garden. She said the worst time to be outside is between of 11am and 2pm, due to often high UV levels at these times.
The UV index, essentially, measures how strong the sun is on your skin. It goes from 0 (minimal risk) to 11+ (very high risk), and these numbers change throughout the day. The higher the UV level, the more likely it is that your skin will be damaged by the sun.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said a "marked increase in skin cancer in fair-skinned populations is strongly associated with excessive UV radiation exposure from the sun".
It says for a UV level of 3-7 you should "seek shade during midday hours! Slip on a shirt, slop on suncreen and slap on a hat!" For UV levels of 8 and above, WHO guidance states: "Avoid being outside during midday hours! Make sure you seek shade! Shirt, sunscreen and hat are a must!"
It is well worth checking the UV index on sunny days to better protect your skin.
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