Denise Van Outen looks scorching but keeps cool to support NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK

Denise Van Outen brings a touch of summer retro glamour to London Fields to support NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK’s sun safety partnership. With the sun blazing this weekend and the nation having its fingers crossed for a sweltering summer this year, it is important to enjoy the sun safely.

The partnership between NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK highlights the simple steps people can take to protect themselves and their family’s skin from sunburn while still making sure that they have a great summer. When the sun is strong, it’s important to use a combination of shade, clothing and at least factor 15 sunscreen to protect yourself, whether that’s in the UK or abroad.

Denise Van Outen says:
“I’m really happy to be supporting the NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK partnership. We all get very excited when the sun comes out, especially when we are so used to years of rainy British summers! However staying safe in the sun is very important and is something that I am personally very passionate about.

Looking after my skin has always been incredibly important to me. I always try and cover up with a t-shirt and hat and spend time in the shade when it is sunny, especially as I am an active and sporty person and am often outside. I also always make sure that I keep a bottle of sunscreen in my handbag at all times.

There are some really gorgeous outfits and stunning hats out there that not only keep you protected from the sun but also keep you cool too. I personally love all the glam wide brimmed hats that are in fashion at the moment. With all the fab fashion choices out there, there is absolutely no excuse to get caught out!

Becoming a mum has also made me even more aware of sun protection. It’s really important to me that my daughter Betsy stays safe in the sun and we always follow NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK’s top tips. We put on our sunscreen together, make sure we stay in the shade when the sun’s strong and we always cover up with clothes – I want her to learn to protect her delicate skin.

I want to set a good example to my daughter, so I always wear sunscreen on days when the sun is strong and I make sure that she watches me put it on. I’ve also started teaching her how to put it on herself. As well as teaching her how to get dressed, I also squirt sunscreen into her hand and ask her to rub it in herself so that she then thinks that she’s being all grown up because she’s copying Mummy.

If like me you make sure that you follow NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK’s helpful advice, you can enjoy the sun but also keep safe at the same time.”

Denise Van Outen’s top tips for enjoying the sun safely:

• Make sure that you don’t get caught out at home!

The sun can be strong in the UK as well as abroad, so it’s not just when you’re on holiday that you need to think about protecting your skin in the sun. You don’t need to be sunbathing to get sunburnt; plenty of people get sunburn when out and about playing sport, shopping or gardening. Even if you are out for a walk, playing a round of golf or just mucking about in the sandpit with your kids, like I do with my daughter Betsy, when the sun is strong always make sure that you are protected by wearing plenty of sunscreen and a t-shirt and hat.

• Always bring a bottle:

I always try and keep a handy-sized bottle of sunscreen (NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK recommend at least SPF15+) in my handbag along with all my other essential everyday items like my phone, wallet, make-up and keys. It means that you’ll always have some to hand for parts of the body you can’t cover up with clothes. That way you won’t get caught out on days when you’re out and about and the sun is strong. Make sure you reapply regularly and use a generous amount.

• Protect your kids.

If you are a mum like me you will know that young skin is delicate and easily sunburnt. Make sure your children are wearing t-shirts and wide-brimmed hats when out in strong sun and cover any exposed areas with sunscreen.  It’s a good idea to encourage them to have breaks in the shade for a game or a cool drink, particularly between 11am and 3pm (in the UK summer) when the sun is usually strongest. When I am out using a buggy with my daughter I always attach a parasol as it is a useful way of keeping your children cool and protected from strong sun.

For more sun safety information from NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK visit www.nivea.co.uk/cruk

The partnership launched in July 2012, and aims to raise millions of pounds for Cancer Research UK’s vital skin cancer research over three years through a donation on the sale of NIVEA SUN sunscreen.

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For further press information please contact Cancer Research UK press office on 020 3469 8315