Sun Safety: What Every Family Needs to Know
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and most of it is preventable. This practical guide covers sun safety for every age, from babies to adults.
The Scale of the Risk
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and the vast majority of cases are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. The good news is that most skin cancer is preventable. The habits of sun protection that are built in childhood and maintained throughout life represent one of the most direct, practical reductions in cancer risk available to any family.
Sunburn in childhood is associated with a significantly higher lifetime risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. This does not mean that one sunburn determines outcomes, but it does mean that protecting children's skin from burning is genuinely important for their long-term health, not just an inconvenience.
Understanding UV and the UV Index
UV radiation (ultraviolet radiation) from the sun is invisible: you cannot see it, feel it, or detect it from temperature alone. This is why sunburn occurs on cloudy days and why people who spend a day on snow or water can burn more severely than they expect. UV reflects off surfaces and penetrates cloud cover to varying degrees.
The UV index measures the strength of UV radiation at a given location and time. A UV index of 3 or above indicates that sun protection is needed. In the UK, the UV index regularly reaches 7 or above in summer, particularly in the south of England. Weather apps and the Met Office provide UV index information: checking this before outdoor activity, particularly in summer, is a useful habit.
UV is strongest between 11am and 3pm, in summer, and at higher altitudes and lower latitudes. Reflection from water, sand, and snow increases UV exposure. Being aware of these conditions and adjusting sun protection accordingly is the foundation of practical sun safety.
Sunscreen: How to Use It Effectively
Sunscreen should be at least SPF 30 for adults and SPF 50 for children, and should offer broad-spectrum protection (protection against both UVA and UVB radiation). The SPF number refers specifically to UVB protection: look for four or five stars on UK products to indicate UVA protection as well.
Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin approximately 20-30 minutes before going outside, to allow it to absorb properly. The amount used significantly affects the protection provided: studies consistently show that people apply approximately half the amount needed for the SPF on the label to apply. Reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming or significant sweating.
Sunscreen should not be used to extend the time spent in the sun beyond what would otherwise be reasonable. It provides protection against burning; it does not eliminate UV exposure. The correct approach is sunscreen plus shade plus protective clothing, not sunscreen as the only protection.
Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight entirely. For older babies and young children, use baby-specific sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) and supplement with shade and protective clothing.
Shade and Protective Clothing
Seeking shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm in summer, is the most effective sun protection measure alongside sunscreen. Sitting in the shade under a tree or parasol provides significant protection, though some UV is still present from reflective surfaces.
Protective clothing covers a larger area more reliably than sunscreen, does not need to be reapplied, and provides consistent protection. UV-protective swimwear (UPF-rated) is a practical and effective option for children who spend significant time in the water. Wide-brimmed hats protect the face, neck, and ears, which are common sites for skin cancer. Sunglasses with UV400 protection protect the eyes and the skin around them.
Treating Sunburn
If sunburn occurs, cool the affected skin with cool (not cold) water for at least 20 minutes, keep the person hydrated, and apply a soothing after-sun lotion or aloe vera. Avoid further sun exposure while the burn heals. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with pain. Seek medical advice if the burn is severe (blistering over a large area), if the person is a young child or baby, or if there are signs of heat exhaustion alongside the burn.
Skin Checks and Moles
Regularly checking your skin for changes is worthwhile for all adults. The ABCDE rule helps identify moles that warrant medical attention: Asymmetry (one half different from the other), Border (irregular or poorly defined edges), Colour (varied shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue), Diameter (larger than 6mm), and Evolving (any change in size, shape, colour, or any new symptom). Any mole or skin change that concerns you should be assessed by your GP promptly. Skin cancers caught early are highly treatable; delayed diagnosis is the factor most associated with worse outcomes.