The weather is hotting up again in the UK, meaning hopefully everyone, young and old, can enjoy a little bit of sunshine before September rolls around and the new school term starts.
Superdrug is in its sixth year campaigning with Cancer Research UK to educate Britain about the risk of skin cancer and why it's important to cover up and protect yourself when you're outside.
Their slogan this year is to "protect, don't neglect!" - even if you're only outside doing a little gardening.
A lot of people, myself included, just assume that you can't burn in the UK, it's either cloudy, raining or just miserably humid, and when the sun is out, it never seems to be out long enough to burn us, but according to Cancer Research, most cases of sunburn happen in the UK, and not abroad like everyone assumes. Even more surprising, a lot of people get sunburn without trying! They'll be gardening, walking their dog, or even out shopping in city centers.
In order to protect yourself, remember to keep in the shade if possible, if you know you're going to be out in the sun a lot, wear light clothes that cover your skin and remember to apply a sunscreen that's at least SPF15.
You're more at risk if you're pale, like me, or if you have moles or freckles, you're a natural red head or you have fair hair, you're also at risk if you have a history of sunburn, as well as if there is a family history of skin cancer.
A few facts about sunburn and skin cancer;
- Having a sun tan doesn't mean your skin is healthy, a tan is actually a sign of damaged skin!
- Burning your skin, leaving it red, is a clear sign that you have seriously damaged the DNA of your skin cells, putting you at more of a risk of developing cancer.
- When your skin starts to peel after being out in the sun, it's actually your body's way of trying to get rid of skin cells that have been so badly damaged, they can't be repaired.
- Your skin doesn't to be red-raw, blistering or painful for it to mean you have sunburn, if it's gone slightly red from being out in the sun, then you've burnt your skin! :(
- Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, and the number of people developing it per year is increasing!
- Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, which looks and feels similar to a mole.
- Melanoma is one of the few cancers that affect young adults, and is the second most common cancer in 15 - 35 year olds.
- Men are more at risk of developing skin cancer on their head and chests, whereas women are more likely to develop it on their legs and arms.
Just remember, a little bit of sun is good for us, so our bodies can produce Vitamin D, but we only need 15 - 20 minutes of it to get our daily dose of D, if you're going to be out in the sun for longer, protect your skin by applying sunscreen!
Find more information, tips and tricks on what to look for if you think you're at risk, and how to avoid getting burnt here - Think Skin!
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