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When the summer sun comes out, it’s time for shorts, bathing suits, and loose summer dresses. We all head off on holiday, out into the countryside, or to the beach. Who doesn’t love warm, sunny days?
But the sun is a double-edged sword.
Greater sun exposure and hot-dry weather risks damaging your skin. We’ve all heard about the risks of prolonged sun exposure, whether it be skin cancer or wrinkled, aged skin. But few of us take the necessary precautions when we’re younger to protect ourselves. Summer safety tips just aren’t on your mind when you head outside.
They should be. According to Cancer Research UK, skin cancer rates are spiking. Melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, saw a 57% rise in incidence in adults over 80 years old in the past decade, while there was a 7% increase in young adults aged 25 to 49.
Keep these skincare summer safety tips in mind as you enjoy the warm weather. It’s the best way to safeguard against skin cancer and premature ageing.
In this guide:
Risks of Sun Exposure
We talk a lot about sun safety. But what are the risks? Obviously, we need some sun exposure to stay healthy. Sunlight is the primary source of UV (ultraviolet) radiation, which your body uses to make vitamin D. Vitamin D is responsible for stronger bones, muscles, and teeth – it even supports our immune system.
You don’t need to be in the sun all day to get enough vitamin D. Just 10 to 15 minutes will supply all your daily needs – or 25 to 40 minutes for people with darker skin tones.
Sunburn is the greatest risk from sun exposure. There’s no safe way to get a tan or sunburn. It damages the skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer later in life. People with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles, light hair or eyes, or a family history of skin cancer are at greater risk.
Skincare And Sun Safety Tips
1. Apply Sunscreen
If you take away only one point from this guide, it’s this: wear sunscreen. Nothing is more protective than sunscreen with a strong SPF. Slathering on the sunscreen provides continual protection, whether you’re going on a sunny afternoon stroll or weeding your garden.
It’s easy to assume you don’t need sunscreen. After all, you’re only “popping” outside. Yet, those minutes soon add up; just 30 minutes in the strong afternoon sun is enough to burn the skin of some people.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, applying SPF 15 every day reduces your risk of developing melanoma by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by around 40%. Double that to SPF 30, and the protection is even better. The higher the SPF rating, the greater the protection – SPF 100 makes a big difference compared to SPF 50.
Remember to apply sunscreen often, covering your face, body, and any nooks and crannies (think ears and lips).
Sunscreen Options
You want a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen – meaning it protects against UVA and UVB. There’s also a choice between physical and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide and reflect and scatter UV rays. In contrast, chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin, converting the UV light into heat.
Both options are effective, but if you go for a physical sunscreen, ensure it has at least 10% zinc oxide.
2. Stay in the Shade
You can’t get burned if you don’t get exposed. Rather than reading your book under the scorching sun or spending all day lying by the pool, stay in the shade. You’ll get more than enough sun exposure in the pool, on a walk, or just going about your daily business.
Spending time in the shade is especially important when the sun is at its zenith, between 11 am and 3 pm.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Like staying in the shade, putting on some lightweight, airy, long-sleeved clothes provides a barrier against the sun. Fabrics like denim or loose, dark colours provide the greatest protection – albeit they’re a little warm. But even a wide-brimmed hat will go a long way to protecting your face. It’s a sensible summer safety tip.
Ensure your sunglasses also offer protection. Your eyes are vulnerable to excess sun exposure, so spend the money on a UV-400 pair of shades.
4. Moisturise Your Skin
Even if you don’t venture into the sun, the excess heat will dry out your skin. Always moisturise after you’ve been in the sun.
Moisturisers help re-establish the stratum corneum – the outer layer of your skin. It’s this layer that protects against harmful pollutants and chemicals. Some moisturisers even contain an SPF, providing an additional layer of protection throughout the day.
5. Gently Exfoliate
Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to unclog pores, reduce blemishes, and remove any grime. During the summer, your skin will build up a layer of sweat, SPF, oil, and other contaminants. You’ve got to remove these to keep your skin in tip-top condition.
Never exfoliate if you’ve got sunburn. Let it heal first by adding an extra irritant. You can exfoliate with a preferred product or gently use a physical scrubber. It’s up to you.
6. Soothe with Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is the secret ingredient in healthy, glowing skin. Not only does it support collagen production, keeping you looking younger, but it also prevents hyperpigmentation. Considering that sun exposure causes premature ageing, applying a vitamin C serum helps counteract any sun damage.
Planning your next holiday? Wherever you’re jetting off to, we provide expert travel health advice and vaccinations. Call our friendly team at 02476 016519 or book online at your convenience. We offer flexible consultations via phone, video, or in person. In-clinic visits allow you to receive your vaccinations during your consultation. Get in touch today – we’re here to help.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/effects-of-sun-exposure
https://www.allure.com/story/summer-skin-care-tips-from-dermatologists
https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/05/27/skin-cancer-cases-reach-all-time-high/
Williams JD, Maitra P, Atillasoy E, Wu MM, Farberg AS, Rigel DS. SPF 100+ sunscreen is more protective against sunburn than SPF 50+ in actual use: results of a randomised, double-blind, split-face, natural sunlight exposure clinical trial. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2018 May 1;78(5):902-10.
Author: Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Reviewed and approved by:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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