JODIE WILLIAMSON
COLUMNIST
AFTER what felt like a very long winter, it’s great to finally see the sun. But the warmer weather also brings its challenges.
Most of us have got the message by now that we need to use, and frequently reapply, a high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen to protect ourselves from skin cancer.
However, many people are confused by the labels on sunscreen bottles and may not be getting enough protection from the sun’s damaging rays.
It’s important to check the label of your sunscreen to make sure it protects you from UVA as well as UVB rays.
Did you know that the SPF rating on the product label refers to protection from UVB rays only?
SPF does not include protection from harmful UVA rays – this is indicated by a separate “star” rating.
So, what is the difference between UVB and UVA rays?
UVB rays burn the top layers of your skin, causing pain and, over time, permanent damage. UVA rays cause the skin to age prematurely and suppress the immune system, leaving you at more risk of skin cancer.
According to Cancer Research UK, malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in Wales with around 120 people dying from it each year.
The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that our children are at double the risk of developing skin cancer in later life if they get sunburnt as a child.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your children from skin cancer?
Always use a sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA rays.
It should have a SPF of at least 15 and a four or five-star UVA rating. To make sure it is effective, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
To make sure you enjoy the sun safely you should also wear a hat, UV sunglasses and, if you can, seek shelter between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest.
Whenever possible you should also give your skin a break by covering up – clothing should be your first line of defence.
It’s also important to make sure you keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
If you are worried about skin cancer, your local pharmacist can advise you about what to watch out for on your skin.
If you know what to look for you can recognise potential skin cancers and get them checked out as early as possible.
If you have a mole or patch of skin which changes size, shape or colour, a new growth or a sore that itches, hurts, bleeds, crusts or scabs – talk to a pharmacist or your GP straight away.