There is harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight that burns and ages skin. In the short-term sunlight causes burning. In the long-term it damages the elasticity of the skin, causing wrinkles. It also damages the epidermis, causing skin cancer and other skin diseases. This means that skin can be damaged even when it has not burned.

Most people’s skin tans naturally when exposed to sunlight. This is the epidermis’s response to radiation damage. People with the lightest skin type never tan, they burn or peel. They are the most vulnerable to repeated and intense sun exposure. The skin thickens with sun exposure, and it is this skin thickening that gives most protection from the harm of sunlight to white-skinned people. The problems start when skin is allowed to burn, or is repeatedly exposed to sunshine over many years. This is true even for people who tan darkly. Any tan indicates that the skin has been damaged.

To reduce the risk of skin cancer:

• Never allow yourself, or your children, to burn.
  
   
• Cover up with tightly woven (not transparent) clothes and a close-weave wide-brimmed hat. This is the best kind of sun protection for you and your children.
  
   
• When possible, stay in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm (British Summer Time). The sun is particularly strong around noon. Use the 'shadow rule' – if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun is at a strength likely to burn.
  
   
• Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or above. SPF 30 or above is recommended for children. Do not use it on babies under six months old. Children who are not mobile yet should be covered and kept in the shade. A sunscreen especially formulated for children is less likely to contain alcohol or fragrances that might irritate their skin. Sunscreen needs to be generously applied. Take particular care to coat the nose, face, neck, ears, hands, and forearms, and all other exposed areas. Do not use sunscreens to extend the time you stay out in the sun.
  
   
• Remember that UV rays are hardly blocked by thin cloud or water, and that UV exposure can be intensified because it bounces back off sand and snow. Wind can make it feel cooler than it is, but it has no protective effect.
  
   
• UV exposure can also cause cataracts, so wear sunglasses outside when it’s sunny.
  
   
• If you are going on a snow sport holiday in a more southerly country, eye protection is important too, so wear shaded goggles or UV protective sunglasses.

Take extra special care of children

Too much sun exposure, especially in childhood, can increase the risk of skin cancer. Children need cover on their ears, neck, upper back and shoulders. Except for those with extreme sensitivity, close-weave clothing is just as effective as special UV protective clothing.

The UK has a national skin cancer prevention campaign called SunSmart.

Be skin aware

Think about whether you may be at an increased risk of skin cancer because of your exposure to sunshine over your lifetime. Are there any periods when you have been badly sunburned or when you had a lot of exposure to the sun?

Check yourself regularly all over, looking for new moles or unusual blemishes, or changes to existing moles. If you have a lot of moles, or unusual moles, taking photographs of your whole body will help you to notice any changes.

See your GP if you have any moles, lumps, sores or scabs on your skin which are:

• growing
  
   
• bleeding
  
   
• changing appearance in any way and have not completely healed after 2-4 weeks.

You should do a regular self-examination. Once every three months is recommended.

Avoid sunbeds

Sunbeds and other artificial tanning equipment radiate damaging ultraviolet light, like the sun. Using sunbeds may increase your risk of skin cancer. The type of tan produced by a sunbed is less protective than one stimulated by sunlight.

Tan from a bottle

Fake tan lotions and creams are regarded as safe. Be aware that they have an SPF of only about 4, so follow the protective advice above.

If you have had squamous cell carcinoma before

If you have had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) before is likely that others will develop in future years. As for a first SCC, the nose, lips and ears are the most likely sites for any further SCC, as these are the areas that are most often damaged by sunlight.

Immune suppressed people

If you are having a treatment with drugs that suppress your immune system, such as after an organ transplant, skin cancers can grow and spread more quickly. You need to take extra care to avoid the sun. If you develop a suspicious skin spot, see your GP promptly.

There is no national screening programme for skin cancer.

If you are concerned about your risk, speak to your GP.