Stop summer AGEING YOU

Think you know how to take care of yourself during the sunny season? Take our test to find out

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Whether your good intentions fall by the wayside or you make even more of an effort to be sensible during the warmer months, your lifestyle can greatly impact how youthful you look and feel. Answer these questions on your summer habits to discover if you’re adding years to your age - then turn back the clock with our easy tweaks.

Take the test

Start with your age and subtract or add years depending on your answers.

1 How often do you apply sunscreen?

A Every few hours -2 years

B Once before leaving the house +1 year

C When I remember +2 years

* Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. This ensures continuous protection from UV damage, which contributes to skin ageing and increased skin cancer risk, says dermatology expert Dr Zoya Diwan*.

2 When do you put on your sunglasses?

A Only in bright sunlight +1 year

B Never, they don't suit me +2 years

C Whenever I'm outside -2 years

* UVA rays - which are present all year - penetrate deeper through the layers of the skin and eyes, says optometrist Nicola Alexander-Cross**. 'Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of conditions, such as cataracts and skin cancer around the eyes.' Wear sunglasses bearing the mark UKCA and UV 400, for protection.

3 What are you most likely to have in your fridge?

A Cheese and cold meats +1 year

B Cans of fizzy pop +2 years

C Chopped, raw vegetables -2 years