As the sun starts to grace us with its welcoming presence, it’s crucial to remember the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. Skin cancer remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide, but with proper education and sun protection, we can reduce our risk and keep our skin healthy and radiant. In this blog, I’m raising awareness of skin cancer and the signs, dangers of UV exposure, and the essential role of sunscreen in prevention.
Dangers of UV Exposure
UV radiation from the sun is a leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that can trigger cancerous growths.
Additionally, UV exposure contributes to premature ageing, including wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. Now I know how important it is for my clients to fight these skin challenges!
It’s important to be mindful of UV exposure not only during the summer months but all year round as UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and snow.
The Importance of Sun Protection
Sun protection is the first line of defence against skin cancer and premature ageing. This includes wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. For those with fair skin or a history of skin cancer, extra precautions to protect your skin are necessary to minimise risk.
Spotting The Signs
Regular self-examinations are crucial for detecting early signs of skin cancer. Keep an eye out for changes in the size, shape, or colour of moles, as well as new growths, sores that won’t heal, or patches of skin that are itchy, painful, or bleeding.
If you notice anything unusual or concerning, it’s really important to seek advice from a dermatologist as soon as possible. Don’t wait to see if it “clears up.” Early detection and treatment are key to successful outcomes in skin cancer cases.
My Top Recommended Sun Protection Products
At LJC Advanced Skincare, I’m committed to providing clients with the highest quality skincare products, including sunscreens that offer superior protection against UV damage.
I am so proud to stock AlumierMD’s comprehensive range of SPF products, featuring six different SPFs to suit various skin types and preferences. From lightweight facial sunscreens to tinted options for added coverage, AlumierMD will have you covered for all your sun protection needs. Plus, it’s one of my favourite brands and truly love everything this brand represents.
Additionally, I also stock the Heliocare 360 range, renowned for its advanced UV protection and innovative formulations. With various options including sprays, gels and fluids, Heliocare 360 provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, visible light, and infrared radiation.
Research shows that around 17,500 cases of melanoma are diagnosed every year in the UK, with cases predicted to rise to 20,000 annually by 2025. So you can see the importance of protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. By understanding the dangers of UV exposure, practising sun safety measures, and using high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreens like those from AlumierMD and Heliocare, we can reduce our risk of skin cancer and enjoy healthy, radiant skin for years to come. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so don’t forget to protect your skin every day, come rain or shine.
To explore my selection of AlumierMD and Heliocare SPF products, visit the LJC Advanced Skincare shop or send me a message and make it your mission to have sun-safe, beautiful skin. If you’d like to know which SPF will suit your skin type best and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine, get in touch to book a consultation with me