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Directorate of Health Frontpage
Directorate of Health Frontpage

The Directorate of Health

Let's be smart in the sun and use sunscreen

14th May 2025

In the spring, the sunshine provides welcome light and warmth, inviting people to enjoy outdoor activities in the sun. The sun offers warmth but also emits ultraviolet radiation, which can harm us if we are not careful.

Children's skin is much more sensitive than adult skin. Therefore, protecting and preventing their skin from burning in the sun is especially important. If you go out in the sun in the middle of the day, the best protection is clothes and a hat, for both children and adults, but sunscreen can be applied to the exposed areas.

Enjoying the sun and outdoor activities doesn't have to pose a significant risk if we follow a few simple tips and use common sense to avoid sunburn. The SunSmart Global UV app from WHO indicates when it's necessary to apply sunscreen throughout the day, regardless of your location in the world. The app is free to download from both the App Store and Google Play.

The document (Icelandic) contains suggestions on how to protect ourselves from the sun's harmful radiation in southern regions. However, keep in mind that due to Iceland's clear atmosphere, ultraviolet radiation from the sun can lead to sunburn quickly.