Protecting Your Skin in the Sun, Including Moles
The sun is great for boosting your happy hormones, but it poses significant risks to your skin – especially if you don’t look after it! Every sunburn increases your chances of developing skin cancer. It's not just prolonged exposure at the beach or during outdoor activities that can harm your skin. Even brief moments like walking the dog or commuting to work without sun protection contribute to cumulative damage. Not only can this damage lead to skin cancer, but premature aging effects such as leathery skin, dark spots, and wrinkles. Here is a guide to help keep your skin safe in the sun.
1. Use Sun cream Regularly
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher generously to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and any areas with moles. We recommend incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine throughout the year, as UV rays can affect your skin even on cloudy or rainy days. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you are in direct sunlight or if you are swimming or sweating.
2. Seek Shade During Peak Hours
Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun's rays are strongest. Seek shade under umbrellas, trees, or awnings.
3. Check Your Skin Regularly
Examine your skin, including moles, freckles, and birthmarks, regularly for any changes in size, shape, colour, or texture. Use mirrors or ask a partner to check areas that are hard to see. If you are ever considered about a skin lesion, its always best to get it checked by your GP.
4. Avoid Tanning Beds
Avoid using tanning beds and sunlamps, which emit harmful UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma
5. Protect Your Lips
Use a lip balm with SPF protection to protect your lips from sunburn and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer on the lips.
6. Stay Hydrated.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and help regulate your body temperature during sun exposure.
7. Be Mindful of Medications
Some medications can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Check with your GP or pharmacist to see if any medications you are taking may have this effect.
8. Educate Yourself About Moles
Learn about the ABCDEs of moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, ColoUr changes, Diameter (greater than 6 mm), and Evolution (changes over time). If you notice any changes in a mole or develop a new one, check with your GP.
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For information on monitoring your moles read our guide: Understanding Moles: When to Keep an Eye and When to use our mole removal service.