How to Protect Yourself in the Sun
Most skin cancers are avoidable with a few measures in place to keep you safe. The following advice is taken from national melanoma and skin cancer charity, Skcin. These are the 5 ways to protect your skin from skin cancer.
👕 SLIP on a t-shirt to keep shoulders covered as they can easily burn
🧴 SLOP on a good quality SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin
👒 SLAP on a wide brimmed hat to shade the face, neck and ears
😎 SLIDE on quality sunglasses to protect the eyes
⛱️ SHADE seek shade when possible, particularly during peak UV hours (11am – 3pm)
👕 SLIP on sun protective clothing
Clothing is one of the most effective ways that you can protect you skin. Obviously, it can be difficult to cover every area of exposed skin, but it is good to cover up as much as possible. There are clothes available with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) so this is a good choice where possible. A fabric with a closer weave is also preferable for better protection. Next, we will be sharing about our favourite subject – sunscreens.
🧴 SLOP on a sunscreen
An essential part of all skincare regimes due to the effects of UV on the skin. If you do nothing else, please wear a sunscreen. There is conflicting advice about what strength of sunscreen that you need to use. We personally advice that a good quality sunscreen of over 15 is great if it’s combined with antioxidants. If not, then please choose an SPF of 30. Antioxidants act as a natural SPF just in their repairing nature. Whatever you choose it is important to always choose a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, which ensures that it protects from UVA as well as UVB. Ensure that you store it in a cool place and check the expiry date. There will be no value to an SPF that has gone off! Don’t leave it until you are in the sun to apply. It really needs to be applied to clean, dry, exposed skin 20 minutes before going out. Be generous. For the face you really need 2 fingers worth to ensure total coverage. All sunscreens need to be re-applied at least every 2 hours. If you are swimming or perspiring a lot then even more frequently. Don’t forget your lips. Use a lip balm with an SPF 30+.
👒 SLAP on a sunhat
To protect your head, face, neck and ears then slap on the sun hat. It really needs to be wide brimmed to give a good level of protection. Baseball caps aren’t great because they don’t shade the ears and neck from UV. You can get great hats that have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) incorporated. Alternatively make sure it has a really close weave.
😎 SLIDE on quality sunglasses to protect the eyes
It’s important to protect you eyes form UV radiation that you wear good quality sunglasses. Things to look out for include:
• European CE mark. This is indicative of a safe protection level.
• Those which have a label saying high EPF (Eye Protection Factor) which ranges from 1-10 will provide the best protection.
• Ideally they should be close fitting and wrap around so that UV doesn’t enter the top and sides.
• It’s not down to price. Designer doesn’t necessarily mean better.
⛱️ SHADE from the sun
Shade is an excellent barrier between our skin and the sun so seek shade wherever possible, especially during the peak hours 11am-3pm. Keep your children, especially toddlers and babies in the shade at all times. It is always best not just to rely on shade, but to seek additional protection measures.
👕 SLIP 🧴 SLOP 👒 SLAP 😎 SLIDE ⛱️ SHADE