Protect Your Skin from Cancer

Thousands of people die of skin cancer every year in the UK, when it is largely a preventable disease.  There are simple steps you can take to prevent the disease and other consequences of exposing your skin to the sun, like premature ageing of the skin.  Visit respectyourskin.co.uk for information on protecting yourself from the sun and below the top ten tips that the BSF recommend this summer:

1) Try to stay in the shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its most intense

2) Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing so that your skin is covered up

3) Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck, which often get ignored

4) Wear sunscreen on exposed areas of the skin and reapply it frequently throughout the day.  Choose one with a minimum SPF 15 and one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays

5) You must never let your skin burn

6) Know your skin type (between 1 and 6).  If you are a skin type 1, you have very pale skin, red hair, light eyes and freckles and if you are a skin type 6, you have black skin, black hair and dark brown eyes.  Knowing what skin type you are means that you can use the sun protection products that are appropriate for your skin and therefore, more effective.  Find out more about your skin type on the BSF website

7) Ensure that children use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and ensure that babies are kept out of the sun altogether

8) Ensure that you eat a well-balanced diet rich in anti-oxidants (fresh fruit and vegetables), omega-3 fatty acids and foods rich in vitamin D, like eggs and dairy products, to ensure adequate in take of vitamin D

9) Check and get to know your skin regularly for any changes in moles or skin colour, etc

10) See your GP if you are worried about your skin, particularly if you have ever let your skin burn

The British Skin Foundation (BSF) is the UK charity dedicated to raising funds for research into all skin diseases, including skin cancer.  As part of their year-long skin health awareness campaign, Respect Your Skin, the BSF are raising awareness on Sun Protection in July.

For those thousands of people unfortunate enough to have developed Skin Cancer, the British Skin Foundation has set up the Skin Cancer Appeal.  The appeal is set to raise vital funds specifically towards research into skin cancer.  To find out more about the Skin Cancer appeal, please visit www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/.