Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and that irresistible urge to be outside but it also brings an increase in UV exposure, which means a greater risk of skin cancer if you’re not protecting your skin properly.
As skin therapists, we love helping you feel confident in your skin… but we also care deeply about your skin health, long-term.
Let’s talk about how to protect your skin, spot early warning signs, and reduce your risk of skin cancer all while still enjoying the sunshine this summer.
☀️ Why Summer Matters for Skin Cancer Risk
During the summer months, UV radiation is stronger and more direct, especially between 10am and 4pm. Even in the UK, UV levels can rise to moderate or high, increasing your skin’s risk of damage every time you’re exposed – even on cloudy days.
Over time, this damage adds up. It causes premature ageing, pigmentation… and in some cases, abnormal skin cell growth that can develop into non-melanoma or melanoma skin cancer.
🧬 What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, often triggered by DNA damage from UV radiation. There are two main types:
🔹 Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Often caused by cumulative sun exposure over time
- Most commonly found on face, ears, neck, and hands
- Usually slower growing but should still be treated promptly
🔹 Melanoma
- A more aggressive and dangerous form of skin cancer
- Can develop anywhere on the body, even areas not regularly exposed to the sun
- Can spread to other organs if not caught early
Early detection is key – and prevention is even better.
🛡️ How to Protect Your Skin This Summer
- Wear SPF Daily – No Excuses
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 every day, even in the UK
- Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outdoors or sweating
- Don’t forget ears, lips, chest, scalp, and hands
💡 Top pick: Murad City Skin SPF50 – lightweight, non-greasy, and protects against UV + pollution + blue light
2. Seek Shade & Avoid Peak UV Hours
- Stay in the shade between 10am–4pm, when UV is strongest
- Use wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long-sleeved clothing
- Never rely on SPF alone – sun-smart behaviour matters too
3. Avoid Tanning Beds Completely
Tanning beds emit concentrated UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin than natural sunlight. This dramatically increases your risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer – as well as premature ageing and hyperpigmentation.
4. Get to Know Your Skin – And Keep an Eye on It
The earlier skin cancer is detected, the better the outcome. Learn to check your skin regularly and look out for:
- New moles or growths
- Changes in size, colour, shape or border of existing moles
- Sores that don’t heal
- Itching, bleeding, or crusting lesions
- Red, scaly patches that persist
5. Follow the ABCDE Rule for moles:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Colour variation
- Diameter > 6mm
- Evolving/change over time
📸 Tip: Take photos of moles to track changes more easily.
👩⚕️ Professional Skin Checks
As skin therapists, we’re trained to observe your skin – and we’ll always flag anything unusual. But for medical diagnosis, always consult your GP or a dermatologist if you notice any changes.
If in doubt, get it checked. It’s never worth waiting.
🧴 Skin Cancer Prevention Starts With Skincare Habits
Good skincare isn’t just about looking good – it’s about staying healthy.
Here’s how we support your skin at Jacalyn James Clinic:
- We only recommend broad-spectrum, high-quality SPF products
- We offer seasonal skin reviews and customised product advice
- We educate clients on safe skincare choices during facials and consultations
- We adapt treatment plans to support sun protection and post-sun repair
And most importantly – we prioritise your long-term skin health over short-term trends.
💬 Final Thoughts
You don’t have to hide from the sun – but you do need to respect it.
This summer, protect your skin like the precious organ it is.
Apply your SPF. Check your moles. Educate yourself.
And if you’re ever unsure, we’re here to guide you.
📩 Need help choosing the right SPF or booking a summer-safe facial?
📞 DM or email us to book a consultation
☀️ Let’s keep your glow, and your skin safe this summer.
