Skcin (The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity) is a national charity aimed at raising awareness through education, promoting prevention and early detection, and campaigning for change.
The following advice has been taken from the Skcin website (opens in a new tab). Please take a look, or follow the links below, for more information.
Look after you skin - Stay safe in the sun
Remember it's not just sunbathing that puts you at risk, but being in the sun without adequate protection. If you regularly take part in outdoor hobbies or sports, or work outdoors you could be at greater risk. Make sure you use all of the Five S's of Sun Safety and never burn!
The five S's of sun safety
- SLIP on a t-shirt
- SLOP on SPF 30+ broad spectrum UVA sunscreen
- SLAP on a broad brimmed hat
- SLIDE on quality sunglasses
- SHADE from the sun whenever possible
1. Slip on a t-shirt
UV protective clothing gives the best protection against the sun's UV. (opens in a new tab)
- 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 30+ sunscreen
Learn more about sunscreen, how it works and which is best to use. (opens in a new tab)
- 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 quality 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 where possible
- Shade can provide a good barrier between our skin and the sun
- Seek shade whenever possible, particularly at the hottest times of the day between 11am and 3pm when UV penetration is strongest
- Keep toddlers and babies in the shade at all times
- Never rely on shade alone, always combine with personal protection measures