Skin Health

You can actively protect yourself against the danger of developing skin cancer by keeping your body and head covered up as much as possible and by regularly applying a 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen. You are still at risk of sunburn and skin cancer on a cooler or cloudy day. Sunbeds emit UV radiation, so are not a safe option for getting a tan. A fake tan or spray tan is the way to go.

Some people are more at risk of developing skin cancer than others. Risk factors include:

• Having fair skin or skin that burns easily 
• Having a lot of freckles or moles 
• Being aged 50 or over 
• Intense exposure to the sun, e.g. sunbathing, working outdoors 
• Having had skin cancer in the past 
• Having a close relative who has had melanoma 
• Having a compromised immune system

• Avoid being in the sun between the peak UV radiation periods of 10am to 3pm
• Seek shade and wear clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs 
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears. 
• Apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen at least every 2 hours 
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses 
• Get to know you own skin, check regularly for changes to moles or new moles 
• Get relatives or friends to help you check Visit a skin doctor each year, or more regularly if advised by your GP.