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Sun protection
There is harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight that burns and ages skin.
Most people’s skin tans naturally when exposed to sunlight. People with the lightest skin type never tan, they burn or peel. The skin thickens with sun exposure, and it is this skin thickening, not tanning, that gives most protection from the harm of sunlight to white-skinned people. However, a light, controlled, and gradually obtained tan is not likely to cause serious lasting skin damage. For many, a tan is a positive boost. The problems start when skin is allowed to burn, or is heavily exposed to sunshine over many years. This is true even for people who tan darkly.
To reduce the risk of skin cancer:
- Never allow yourself, or your children, to burn.
- Cover up with tightly woven (not transparent) clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
- When possible, stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm (British Summer Time). The sun is particularly strong around noon. Use the “shadow rule” – if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is at a strength likely to burn.
- Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or above. SPF 30 or above is recommended for children. Do not use it on babies under 6 months old. Children who are not mobile yet should be covered and kept in the shade. A sunscreen especially formulated for children is less likely to contain alcohol or fragrances that might irritate their skin. Sunscreen needs to be generously applied. Take particular care to coat the nose, face, neck, ears, hands, and forearms, and all other exposed areas. We have more information about sunscreens.
- Remember that UV rays are hardly blocked by thin cloud or water, and that UV exposure can be intensified because it bounces back off sand and snow. Wind can make it feel cooler than it is, but it has no protective effect.
- If you are going on a snow sport holiday in a more southerly country, eye protection is important too, so wear shaded goggles or UV protective sunglasses.
- Take extra special care of children
Too much sun exposure, especially in childhood, can increase the risk of skin cancer. Children need cover on their ears, neck, upper back and shoulders. Except for those with extreme sensitivity, close-weave clothing is just as effective as special UV protective clothing.
Though melanoma is very rare in children, sunburn damage done in childhood seriously increases the risk of melanoma in later life. - Pregnant women are more sensitive to sunlight, and need to take more care than usual to cover up.
Cancer Research UK has a skin cancer prevention campaign called SunSmart with more information about keeping safe in the sun.
Other important information about taking care of your skin:
Be skin aware
- Think about whether you may be at an increased risk of skin cancer because of your exposure to sunshine over your lifetime. Are there any periods when you have been badly sunburned or when you had a lot of exposure to the sun?
- Check yourself regularly all over, looking for new moles or unusual blemishes, or changes to existing moles. If you have a lot of moles, or unusual moles, taking photographs of your whole body will help you to notice any changes.
- Report any changes in moles or any unusual skin growths promptly to your GP.
- You should do a regular self-examination. How to examine your own skin in five minutes…
Avoid sun beds
- Sun beds and other artificial tanning equipment radiate damaging ultraviolet light, like the sun. Using sun-beds may increase your risk of skin cancer. The type of tan produced by a sun bed is less protective than one stimulated by sunlight.
Tan from a bottle
- Fake tan lotions and creams are regarded as safe. Be aware that they have an SPF of only about 4, so follow the protective advice above.
If you would like to see, we have some pictures of different types of skin cancer. These should not be used to self diagnose - if you are worried about skin cancer, please contact your GP.
For more information of reducing you risk of skin cancer, contact the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre, or the Isle of Man Department of Public Health.
