How to stay safe in the sun

For this month’s column, skin health expert Louise Thomas-Minns, Founder and CEO of Louise Thomas Skincare, looks at ways to check for skin cancer – and stay safe in the sun

Skin health is at the heart of everything we do at Louise Thomas Skincare, and one of the most important aspects of skin wellness is sun safety and early detection of skin cancer. Whether you’re enjoying the garden, heading to the coast, or just walking your dog, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential. This blog covers easy ways to check your skin, how to identify warning signs, and UK-based skin cancer statistics to raise awareness and encourage regular skin checks.

The importance of sun safety in the UK

Many people associate sun damage with tropical climates, but the reality is that UV radiation can damage your skin even on cloudy days. In the UK, melanoma skin cancer rates have more than doubled in the past 30 years, with an estimated 16,700 new cases diagnosed every year (Cancer Research UK).

Most skin cancers are preventable, and early detection dramatically increases treatment success rates. That’s why protecting your skin and checking it regularly should be part of your self-care routine.

Simple skin checks – what to look for:

Regular self-examinations are key to catching skin cancer early. Use the ABCDE rule to check moles and pigmented lesions:

A – Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
B – Border: Uneven, ragged, or blurred edges
C – Colour: Multiple colours or changes in colour
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or symptom (like bleeding or itching)

Other signs to watch for:

✔ New spots or sores that don’t heal

✔ Itching, bleeding, or crusting lesions

✔ Lumps that appear and don’t go away

✔ Skin changes that seem unusual or are growing

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to speak with your GP or dermatologist.

Who is most at risk?

While skin cancer can affect anyone, certain individuals are at higher risk:

People with fair skin or freckles
Those with blonde or red hair and light eyes
A family history of skin cancer
Individuals who’ve had sunburns, especially in childhood
People who use sunbeds or tanning devices

In the UK, men over 50 are at the highest risk of developing melanoma, and awareness among this group remains low. Encouraging loved ones to perform skin checks could save lives.

5 ways to stay safe in the sun:

Protecting your skin doesn’t mean avoiding the outdoors—it means being smart about exposure:

1. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily

Apply generously every morning and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.

2. Wear protective clothing

Choose wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing when spending time outside.

3. Seek shade between 11am-3pm

This is when UV rays are strongest, even on cloudy days.

4. Avoid sunbeds

Tanning beds significantly increase your risk of melanoma.

5. Hydrate and support your skin barrier

Sun exposure can dry and damage your skin—use antioxidant-rich skincare, like our Hero Serum #2 Soothe and Calm and The Hydrator, and drink plenty of water.

Louise Thomas Skincare’s commitment to skin health

At Louise Thomas Skincare, we are dedicated to empowering our community with both the tools and the knowledge for long-term skin wellness. That includes: