With the summer months set to bring heatwave after heatwave in the UK, research* reveals 83% of Brits would prefer to holiday here in the UK rather than travel abroad this year. Whether you are planning a staycation in the UK or venturing further afield, making sure you take the right steps to protect you skin from the sun is important. Pharmacist, Wendy Lee, from Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, shares her advice on how to stay safe in the sun no matter where you plan to spend your summer in 2021.

Photo The Mole Clinic

1. Choose the right SPF

Applying sun cream is important to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Personally, I recommend a minimum of SPF 30 to my patients, with a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars.

2. Think waterproof protection

If you and your family enjoy spending the day by the pool or the seaside, buying sun cream that is completely water-resistant is important. This will mean you can swim while staying protected.

3. Sensitive skin? We’re here to help

There are sun creams specially formulated for sensitive skin. So, if you or your child suffers from eczema or sensitive skin, pop in and speak with our Well pharmacy team and they will be able to recommend you a sun cream which can protect sun sensitive skin from irritation.

4. Apply every two hours

While you are out in the sun you should be thinking about re-applying every two hours, or immediately if you’ve been swimming. Lots of things can cause accidental removal like sweating, scrapes and scuffs so even if you buy ‘once a day’ protection you should continue to re-apply to make sure you and your family stay protected throughout the day.

5. Check the date!

Most sun creams have a shelf life of 12 to 18 months after opening so make sure you check all your bottles for the expiry date before you apply! Also, make sure keep them stored away from direct sunlight.

6. Limit your sun exposure

Sun cream is not the only way you can protect you and your family from the sun. I make sure my family have limited exposure between 11am and 3pm by moving to a shaded area. Clothing is also a great for sun protection such as hats, t-shirts and sunglasses. Babies under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight and remember young children skin is much more sensitive so take extra care!

7. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial and water is the best way to hydrate; you can also drink coconut water as an alternative to sports drinks or fruit infused water that has added flavour without the added sugar. Fruits and vegetables are also great sources of water – watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes can help keep you hydrated and maintain your health and wellbeing.

With an ever growing desire to look good and healthy, it’s understandable that many of us will grab the chance to add a golden glow to our skin as soon as we see the sun creeping out from the clouds. However, with most skin cancer being caused by ultraviolet (UV) light damaging the DNA in our skin cells and the main source of UV light coming from sunlight, Laura Harker, Screening nurse from The MOLE Clinic explains why we need to pay attention to our skin, especially during the warmer summer months.

There are two types of moles we should be keeping an eye on, and these are visually atypical and new or changing moles.  With a one in five chance of skin cancer, prevention is better than cure, book a mole check at The MOLE Clinic.  The Mole Clinic is launching nationally this summer at skin Clinics nationwide.  The first skin Clinics to offer The MOLE Clinic skin cancer screening services are in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Southampton, Brighton, Edinburgh & Glasgow with 36 opening in the first year.

Skin cancer rates are rising, and early detection saves lives.  According to Cancer Research UK millions of people have missed out on cancer checks, do not wait if you are concerned about a new or changing mole. The MOLE Clinic® are the UK’s Skin Cancer Screening Specialists and now offer a NATIONAL skin cancer screening service with prices starting at just £50. The Mole checks available include a Mole Diagnostic Report (£50) A report on a visually abnormal or new or changing mole by a remote doctor using dermoscopy to identify the earliest signs of skin cancer invisible to the naked eye. And a Full Body Skin Check (£145) A ‘head to toe’ examination of all moles by a specialist nurse to identify any which are visually abnormal, a potential symptom of a skin cancer. To book at appointment please visit www.themoleclinic.co.uk

*The research, commissioned by building society The Cumberland, revealed that the majority of British holidaymakers (83%) would prefer to holiday here in the UK rather than travel abroad this year.