As the UK heatwave begins to subside and temperatures become bearable, many will be venturing outside again.
The shade can sometimes appear to be a safe haven from the rays when outdoors - but how safe is it really?
Do you still need to take precuations if the sun has gone in, or if you are taking shelter in the shade?
And will sitting in the shade help you tan?
We spoke to a skin expert to find out.
Can you tan in the shade?
In simple terms, yes, tanning in the shade is possible.
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This is because the sun reflects off of objects in the environment and onto skin.
Certain environmental factors such as bright snow or pale beach sand can reflect the sun’s rays to your skin, even while sitting in the shade.
For example, experts from Queensland University of Technology said sand can reflect as much as 25 per cent of UV radiation.
Does shade protect you from UV?
There are two different types of UV rays which reach the earth's surface – both of which pose a risk to your skin and can increase the risk of skin cancer.
UVA is more associated with skin ageing, while UVB is associated with skin burning and tanning.
According to Sam Cinkir, CEO of leading skin and hair specialists Este Medical Group, shade doesn’t do a very good job in protecting your skin against either UV ray.
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"All it takes for the skin to tan or burn is exposure to UV rays, and these can reach your body through an umbrella or parasol, for example, or reflecting off other surfaces.
"This is also the case with shade from trees, where the rays can easily pass through the foliage to reach your skin."
The amount of UV light reaching someone under an umbrella can be up to 84 per cent of the level in the full sun, according to a 2003 study by the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
Sam said: "Remaining indoors is a safer option, but you can still receive sun damage such as wrinkles or even cancer as glass windows and doors do not block out all rays.
"Most glass will prevent UVB rays from entering your home, but often doesn’t stop UVA rays, which can pose serious risks to your skin."
Can you burn in the shade?
Sam says shade can help to ‘minimise’ your risk of sun damage but not stop it completely.
While you might think that being in a cooler, shaded area is protecting you from sun damage, it’s not always the case, he said.
"My advice is to take the risks of the sun seriously, know how to protect yourself from them and take preventative action such as applying sunscreen and avoiding the sun during its strongest hours of 10am to 4pm."
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Indoors, you are limiting your exposure to UV light as much as possible.
But it can stream through the window - so be aware of sitting in a sunlit spot all day at home.
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