SPF: Why It’s Essential To Protect Your Skin - UK And Abroad

With the warmer weather rapidly approaching, you may be starting to think about staying safe in the sun. And it’s important that you do. We may have a reputation for moaning about the British weather, but skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Around 156,000 cases are diagnosed each year, including around 20,800 cases of melanoma – the most severe type of skin cancer. The good news is that the vast majority of these are preventable.

Why? Because nearly 9 in every 10 cases of melanoma are caused by too much exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) light – either from the sun, or from sunbed use. While many people may think that they only need to use sun protection if they are travelling abroad, the reality is that you could be just as at risk of developing skin cancer here in the UK. 

How Does The Sun Cause Skin Cancer?

The sun produces two types of Ultraviolet radiation – known as UVA and UVB. UVA rays are linked to long-term skin damage, which results in fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and age spots. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. However, both can contribute to your risk of getting skin cancer.

Skin cancer occurs when the cells on an area of skin start to grow uncontrollably. It happens because of damage to the DNA of your cells, caused by the UV radiation. There are two main types of skin cancer – melanoma skin cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Symptoms of skin cancer include:

• A sore that doesn’t heal
• An ulcer that isn’t healing
• An unusual lump or bump on the skin
• Red patches
• Changes to freckles or moles

As with any cancer, early detection is essential for the best chance of successful treatment. If you’ve got concerns about your skin, it’s important to speak to your doctor.

Tops Tips For Staying Safe In The Sun

These may sound obvious, but these simple steps can help protect your skin and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

Stay In The Shade

We know you might not want to stay in the shade all day when the weather is nice, but the more you can, the better it is for your skin. And you should definitely try and avoid being in the direct sun between 11am and 3pm, which is when UV rays are at their strongest.

Cover Your Skin

Similarly, wearing clothes that cover your skin can help protect it. Choose thin linen trousers and long-sleeves and opt for a wide-brimmed hat that keeps your neck out of the direct sun too.

Wear UV-Protecting Sunglasses

It’s important not to forget that your eyes need protecting too – and not just the skin around your eyes either. Excessive UV exposure has been linked to vision-altering conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Make sure to choose sunglasses that block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Use High-Factor Sunscreen

If you do have exposed skin, it’s important to wear sunscreen. While there are lots of different types available, the NHS recommends that everyone uses sunscreen that is has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. People who have particularly fair hair/skin and children should use SPF 50 and apply it regularly. Pay special attention to your face, as it is always exposed to the sun.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF30 is a daily lightweight moisturising lotion. This is key to protecting skin from the sun's UV rays. It's been specially formulated to protect the skin barrier with 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide & MVE technology to provide instant & long-lasting hydration.

View Treatment

Includes free delivery & prescription

Understanding Sunscreen

Sunscreen has been developed to offer your skin protection from the sun. It’s usually available in lotion or aerosol forms, although there are other varieties too. Sunscreens are available in different SPFs, which range between about 2 and 50+. The higher the SPF, the greater protection it offers your skin from harmful UVB rays.

Sunscreens also have star ratings. These are used to show how much protection the sunscreen offers from harmful UVA rays. Again, the higher the star rating, the better. And you should always aim to choose a sunscreen with at least 4 stars.

How Often Should I Apply Sunscreen?

It really depends on exactly how long you are going to be in the sun, but you should look to apply your first layer of sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you head out and top it up just before you leave the house. After this, reapply your SPF every two hours. If you’ve been in the water, such as a pool or the sea, you should apply sunscreen again as soon as you’re dry – even if it says it is “water resistant”.

Purifide Moisturiser SPF30

Purifide (formerly Acnecide) daily moisturiser provides 24-hour hydration, reducing redness of sensitive and acne-prone skin. Purifide moisturiser also contains SPF 30 to give additional protection against UVA/UVB rays.

View Treatment

Includes free delivery & prescription

How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?

Don’t be afraid to apply sunscreen liberally. Not using enough makes it more likely that you’ve missed some areas and that your skin isn’t as protected as it could be. Make sure not to forget areas like your neck, your hands, your feet and the tops of your ears.

I’ve Got Dark Skin, Do I Still Need To Use Sunscreen?

Yes! While people with fair skin, red or fair hair, freckles or moles need to take particular care in the sun, everyone can benefit from and should use sunscreen. You should also take special care if you have skin problems relating to a medical condition, or if you have a family history of skin cancer.

Will Using Sunscreen Stop Me From Getting A Tan?

No, using sunscreen won’t stop you from developing a tan if you spend time in the sun. However, it does limit the amount of UV that will reach your skin, and this means it could take longer for your skin to change colour.

Are Sunbeds Safe?

No. Sunbeds and other artificial sources of UV light can actually be more dangerous than natural sunlight since they use a much more concentrated and targeted source of UV radiation. It’s highly advised to avoid sunbed use. If you’re desperate for a summer glow, consider using topical fake tan treatments instead.

While it may be tempting to get out and enjoy the sunshine, it’s important that you do so with care. Understanding how the sun can damage your skin, and your risk of skin cancer, can help you to make the right choices when it comes to protecting your skin.

Sources

https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/05/27/skin-cancer-cases-reach-all-time-high/