Why suncream is important: Sun is stronger now than you may think

The sun in early May can be pretty potent, before reaching its peak strength in June.

After an unusually dull April, the sun in May is finally making an appearance. But don't be fooled by the season still being spring, the sun is as strong in early May as it is in mid-August.

The sun strength peaks around the summer solstice, but in the weeks surrounding the sun can be capable of doing some damage without sun cream.

This year, the summer solstice is set to occur on June 20th; the longest day of the year and the first day of astronomical summer.

During the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the Earth is tilted at its maximum towards the Sun, leading to increased sunlight. The sun also reaches its highest point of the year.

Throughout May, England and Wales tend to see approximately seven hours of sunshine per day, though some days can see as much as ten hours.

Even further north, as the days get longer plenty of sunshine can be expected. In fact, in May 1975, Scotland saw 329 hours of sunshine in Tiree in the Outer Hebrides throughout the month, with the average in England around 200 for comparison!