Why Sunscreen Isn’t Just for Holidays

Did you know that skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the UK? It’s increasing at a higher rate than any other type of cancer. In fact, 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.

The good news? 90% of all skin cancers are preventable, and when caught early, almost all cases are curable. That’s why this May, during Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’re spreading the word about how you can protect your skin every day — not just when you're on holiday.

What’s really going on with the sun?

The sun emits three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

• *UVC is the most dangerous, but thankfully it’s blocked by the ozone layer.

• UVB is the burning ray — the one that causes sunburn. The one that we only see occasionally in Worcester. The one where everyone returns to work on the Monday burnt to a crisp!

• UVA is the ageing ray, and here’s the kicker — UVA is present all year round, wherever there is daylight, even on cloudy days.

  
  

  This is why you hear me bang on about applying your SPF even on rainy, dull days!

  
  

  Why "Broad Spectrum" is a must?

  
  

  You’ll see ‘SPF’ (sun protection factor) on the bottle but this measures protection against UVB rays only. So, what about UVA? That’s where ‘Broad Spectrum’ comes in. While there isn’t currently a universal standard to measure UVA protection, if a sunscreen is labelled Broad Spectrum, it means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays — which is exactly what we want.

At All About Me in Worcester, we swear by Environ RAD and RAD Shield. These advanced sunscreens combine: -sun reflectors to bounce rays away from the skin

-sun absorbers to soak them up before they cause damage

-powerful antioxidants - think Pac-Man! clearing up the mess UV rays leave behind

Application tips (and myths to avoid)

-Apply sunscreen after moisturiser - you want your moisturiser to absorb in, and your sunscreen to sit on top to protect your skin

-Don’t rely on makeup with SPF - you need a LOT of foundation to get the coverage stated on the label

-Think of it as protecting your skin from light! So apply every single day to exposed skin — yes, even in Worcester, and even when it's cloudy!

- Use enough: One teaspoon each for your arms, legs, front and back of your body, and half a teaspoon for your face.

-Reapply every 2 hours, and always after swimming or sweating.

-Find shade whenever possible, especially between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels are at their highest.

-Check the UV index in your area — most weather apps now include it. I have it on my watch when I go on holiday so I make sure we’re in the shade when it’s at its highest.

-Wear a hat — now, my go to hat is a baseball cap, but this offers no protection for your neck and ears, so I’d suggest a wide-brimmed hat.

So this May, let’s all make a commitment to better sun habits. Pop that sunscreen into your daily routine and spread the word — because skin cancer is often preventable, and awareness can save lives.Protect yourself now, thank yourself later. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to us All About Me beauty, our team can help you choose the right sunscreen for your skin type and lifestyle