In this blog we offer you some tips on how to look after and protect your skin during the summer months with information from Skcin.org. Their website and links can be found at the end of this blog.
Prevention And Early Detection Saves Lives.
Skin Cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer.
Over 210,000 cases of non-melanoma are diagnosed annually in the UK.
Over 16,000 cases of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) are diagnosed annually in the UK
According to Cancer Research UK, 1 in 36 males and 1 in 47 females will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime and it is one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group.
Up to 90% of skin cancers however, are preventable by adopting simple sun safe strategies. Skin cancer is also the only cancer we can physically see developing in its early stages and if detected, diagnosed and treated early enough, almost all cases are curable.
You can download the sun safety guide from the Skcin website, link is at the end of the Blog.
RAISING AWARENESS THROUGH EDUCATION PROMOTING PREVENTION & EARLY DETECTION CAMPAIGNING FOR CHANGE
SKCIN: THE KAREN CLIFFORD SKIN CANCER CHARITY
Five S's of Sun Safety.
1. Slip on a T-Shirt
Clothing can be one of the most effective barriers between our skin and the sun
Clothing should cover as much skin as possible
Always keep shoulders covered that can easily burn
A closer weave will provide more protection
A high UPF rated fabric provides best protection
2. Slop on SPF Sunscreen
No sunscreen provides complete protection
Never rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin
Always use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or above, preferably water resistant
Make sure it's broad spectrum and carries a UVA symbol (if it has a star rating, use a minimum 4 star)
Store in an accessible, cool place and remember to check the expiry date
Apply a generous amount to clean, dry, exposed skin
Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and preferably once again when outdoors
Regardless of the instructions all sunscreens should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and more if perspiring or straight after swimming
Protect your lips with an SPF 30+ lip balm
3. Slap on a Broad Brimmed Hat
Always wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face, neck and ears
Legionnaire (with a flap that covers the neck and joins the front peak) or bucket style hats (with minimum 7.5cm brim) are the most effective
A close weave or UPF rated fabric will provide better protection
Warning: Baseball caps do not shade the ears and neck which can easily burn
4. Slide on Your Sunglasses
Solar UV radiation can be damaging to the eyes so it is important to wear quality sunglasses
Overall protection depends on the quality of the lens and the overall design
Look for the European CE mark which indicates a safe level of protection
Those labelled with a high EPF (which rages from 1-10) will provide best protection
Ensure they are close fitting and wrap around to stop solar UVR entering the sides and top
Remember price and darkness of the lens have no reflection on the quality of protection
5. Shade From the Sun When Possible
Always wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face, neck and ears
Legionnaire (with a flap that covers the neck and joins the front peak) or bucket style hats (with minimum 7.5cm brim) are the most effective
A close weave or UPF rated fabric will provide better protection
Warning: Baseball caps do not shade the ears and neck which can easily burn
Links and Other Information
Take at look at our Blog; Dermalogica Summer Skin Essentials for more ideas on skin health during the summer (click here)
For more information on Sun Safety visit Skcin's website (click here)
To download their Sun Safety Handbook, (click here)
.
Remember :
Slip on a T-Shirt
Slop on an SPF Sunscreen
Slap on a Wide Brimmed Hat
Slide on your Sunglasses
Shade From the Sun When Possible
Comments