01/05/2025
Important advice! And don't forget to slap the SPF on your feet too ! 🌞👣
🤚 HERE’S HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN DAILY FROM SUN DAMAGE AND REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SKIN CANCER:
☀️ #1: SLIP ON CLOTHING
Clothing is one of the most efficient and cost effective barriers between our skin and the sun and should always be considered the first line of defence against UV radiation. Aim to cover as much skin as possible. At a bare minimum, keep shoulders covered with a T-shirt!
☀️ #2: SLOP ON SUNSCREEN
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher with a UVA star rating of 4 or 5. Apply it liberally and evenly to clean, dry, exposed skin, ideally 20 minutes before heading outdoors and re-apply at least every 2 hours – more often if perspiring and always straight after swimming, washing and towelling!
☀️ #3: SLAP ON A WIDE BRIMMED HAT
Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect the scalp from UV damage and provide shade to the face, neck, ears, cheeks and eyes – all common places for skin cancer to develop.
☀️ #4: SLIDE ON UV PROTECTIVE SUNGLASSES
Your eyes are up to ten times more sensitive to UV damage than your skin. Failing to protect them will put your vision and eye health at risk. Ensure your sunglasses have UV protection – if you are unsure, most opticians can run a simple test to determine this for you.
☀️ #5: SHADE FROM THE SUN
Seek shade particularly during peak UV hours – between 11am and 3pm in the UK and between 10am and 3pm in hotter climates. BUT, Never rely on shade alone–always combine with the above sun protection measures! Children should be shaded as much as possible, and babies kept in the shade at all times.
‼ ADDITIONAL ADVICE
In addition to the above sun protection advice, avoid sunbeds at all costs. They are classified as a group 1 carcinogen for a reason and significantly increase the risk of developing all types of skin cancer!
👉 For further advice and information to help you take charge of your skin health - visit: skcin.org
