Every day, our skin faces unavoidable exposure to daylight. Ultraviolet rays—both UVA and UVB—cause irreversible damage. This happens not just on hot summer days, but during cool and cloudier days too.
While the immediate result is painful sunburn, the long-term consequences are severe. Daily UV exposure accelerates premature ageing, increases hyperpigmentation and significantly elevates the risk of skin cancer.
As a result, skin cancer now drives the highest volume of urgent, suspected cancer referrals across the NHS, placing an immense strain on our hospital services.
Fortunately, up to nine in 10 skin cancer cases are entirely preventable. Protecting yourself does not require staying indoors. By implementing a few simple habits, you can keep you and your family safe at home or abroad:
- Seek shade during peak hours, specifically between 11am and 3pm.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses (look for the UV400 label or CE mark), a broad-brimmed hat, and closely woven clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Use sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher with a 4- or 5-star UVA rating. Check the expiry date and apply it to all exposed skin—including the face, neck, and ears—before stepping outside. As a guide, adults need around 6 to 8 tablespoons for a full-body application.
- Re-apply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming, towel drying or sweating.
- Stay away from sunbeds and tanning lamps, as they can be even more dangerous than natural sunlight.
- Keep babies out of direct sunlight, use a parasol on a pushchair. Factor 50 sunscreen should be used on babies over 6 months old.
- Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles and report any unusual spots to your GP immediately.
Think of sun protection as crucial daily care for your skin.
Taking just a few seconds to protect yourself today prevents painful, life-altering damage tomorrow.