Each year around 2,600 people die from skin cancer, caused by damage from the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Skin cancer is also the second most common cancer in 20-to-39-year-olds.Skin type - If you are fair or pale-skinned, or have red or fair hair, your body produces less melanin - the pigment which makes skin tan - which means taking extra care in the sun. Even those with naturally darker skin can still burn - and high levels of melanin do not protect against skin cancer.
Sunburn - Hard to believe, but it's possible to get sunburnt in 10 minutes, even in England. As explained by NHS Choices, "getting sunburnt causes the top layers of skin to release chemicals that make blood vessels swell and leak fluids. Skin turns red, feels hot and painful, and severe sunburn can lead to swelling and blisters." Sunburn also leads to premature ageing, wrinkles, brown patches, freckles and moles, with a much-increased risk of developing skin cancer.
It's not possible to feel UV damage until it's too late, so it's worth remembering the sun doesn't even have to feel very hot. Once skin cells have been changed by ultraviolet exposure, the risk of them becoming cancerous is much greater, with malignant melanoma the most serious concern. 9,500 people are diagnosed with this every year in the UK.
Protect - Covering up with at least short sleeves, a hat and sunglasses is strongly recommended, along with application of a good sunscreen. Good sun creams contain a filter for both UVA and UVB rays and should be rated at SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher, depending on your skin type.Don't skimp on the amount; use at least two teaspoons of suncream on arms, neck and head or if you're sunbathing in a swimsuit, you'll need at least two tablespoon's worth to cover all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours to prevent dispersal via washing or perspiration and always top up again after going in water, even if the sunscreen is labelled waterproof. Children and babies need a much higher SPF as young skin burns very quickly.
Eyes are easily be damaged by sunlight, so a good pair of sunglasses are a must-have. If possible, choose ones with a UV400 label, the 'CE Mark' or ones which state they give 100% UV protection.
Despite what some believe, sunbeds are not a safe alternative. UVA exposure from sunbeds still affects the skin in the same way as 'real' sunlight, carrying risks of skin cancer, itching and rashes, premature ageing and eye irritation. A better option is the safe tan 'from a bottle'. With a wide range of self-tan lotions available, these are much more realistic and easy to apply than ever before, so are worth checking to see if they are right for you.
- Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
- Make sure you never burn.
- Aim to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
- Remember to take extra care with children.
- Then use factor 15+ sunscreen.
