Errors in managing hot weather exposure can lead to a heightened risk of skin cancer, with a surgeon noting an increase in pediatric cases
Sun Safety: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Skin
As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, it's essential to prioritise sun safety to minimise the risk of skin cancer. With an amber heat health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), now is the perfect time to brush up on sun protection best practices.
While many people rely on moisturisers with SPF for daily protection, it's crucial to understand that these products often provide a lower level of protection compared to regular sunscreens. According to Kimberley Medd, clinic lead at Face The Future, people often don't apply enough moisturiser with SPF to achieve full protection.
When purchasing SPF, it's important to consider factors such as SPF that's too low for your skin type and the fact that the protection provided by SPF in moisturisers does not stack in the same way as regular sunscreens. Instead, opt for products with a higher SPF factor, such as 50 or 100, especially if you're at greater risk of burning.
Dr Woodman recommends choosing an SPF with broad-spectrum coverage, ideally with a UVA rating of at least four stars (preferably 5). Some recommended SPF products include Anthelios UV MUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50, Eucerin Sun Oil Control Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen, and Heliocare 360 Water Gel SPF50.
Beyond applying sunscreen, several effective preventive measures for skin cancer include seeking shade during peak UV radiation hours (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats, using sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, incorporating antioxidants in skincare both before and after sun exposure, and avoiding tanning beds and intentional tanning.
Regular skin self-examinations and professional check-ups are also essential to detect suspicious lesions early. Clare O'Connor, suncare scientific advisor at Boots, mentions the availability of a Mole Scanning Service in selected Boots stores.
It's important to remember that damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight can lead to skin cancer in later life. Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by 32 per cent in the UK, making it the 5th most common cancer.
Cancer Research UK projects the number of new cases of skin cancer on average each year to rise by 9 per cent, from around 20,800 cases in 2023-2025 to around 26,500 cases in 2038-2040. People of all ethnicities need to take care when it comes to sun safety, as consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Animesh Patel, has removed skin cancers from patients with all skin types, including those with darker skin.
One of the most common mistakes people make is only wearing SPF on sunny or hot days, according to Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics. Another issue is applying SPF too late, such as once already outdoors, and relying on SPF that's in makeup isn't enough to keep your skin protected from sun damage.
It's also essential to stay hydrated when spending time in the sun by drinking plenty of water. Don't forget the sunglasses, especially if swimming, and remember to wear suitable clothing, a sun hat with a broad brim to protect the face and ears, and spend time in the shade where the sun is at its hottest in the middle of the day to prevent skin cancer.
Lastly, it's important to debunk myths about SPF causing cancer, as this misinformation spreads on social media. In reality, not wearing SPF increases the risk of skin cancer significantly. By following these sun safety guidelines, you can enjoy the sun safely and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Incorporating antioxidants in skincare before and after sun exposure and opting for sunscreens with higher SPF factors, such as 50 or 100, are crucial steps in prevention of skin cancer, a medical condition that has seen a 32% increase in the UK over the last decade. Its alarming projections, including a predicted 9% rise in the number of new cases by 2038-2040, emphasize the importance of health-and-wellness practices in skin-care routines, such as avoiding tanning beds, intentional tanning, and only wearing SPF on sunny or hot days.
