As the British weather finally begins to turn and we trade our heavy coats for sunglasses, it is the perfect time to talk about skin health. At CHEC, we believe that prevention is just as important as treatment. While the return of the sun is a welcome boost for our mood and Vitamin D levels, it also brings increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Protecting your skin isn’t just about avoiding a painful burn; it’s about the long-term care of your body’s largest organ. Choosing the Right Sunscreen: What Factor Do You Need? When it’s time to stock up on sun protection, the labels can be a bit confusing. To keep your skin safe, you should look for “broad-spectrum” protection, which shields you from both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. The SPF Rating: You should aim for a minimum of SPF 30. This filters out approximately 97% of UVB rays. If you have pale skin, a history of skin cancer, or many moles, SPF 50 is highly recommended. The Star Rating: In the UK, look for the UVA star rating on the bottle. Aim for 4 or 5 stars to ensure you are getting high-level protection against deep-tissue skin damage. Application is Key: Most people apply too little. You need about two teaspoons of sunscreen for your face, arms, and neck, and two tablespoons for your entire body. Remember to reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Caring for Moles in the Sun Moles are clusters of pigmented cells, and while most are harmless, they are particularly sensitive to UV damage. If you have a high number of moles, you must take extra precautions: Physical Barriers: Sunscreen is great, but clothing is better. Wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your ears and scalp, and UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Seek Shade: The sun is at its strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. This is the best time to enjoy a long lunch indoors or find a spot under a leafy tree. Total Coverage: Don’t forget the “hidden” moles—check your back, the backs of your legs, and your scalp. Use a mirror or ask a partner to help apply cream to hard-to-reach areas. The ABCDE Checklist: What to Look For It is a good habit to check your skin once a month. When examining your moles, keep the ABCDE rule in mind to identify any suspicious changes: Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other. Border: The edges are blurred, ragged, notched, or irregular. Colour: The colour is not uniform and may include shades of tan, brown, black, or even patches of pink or red. Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), though some melanomas can be smaller. Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour, or it begins to itch, crust, or bleed. Read more about the ABC’s of moles. When to See a Healthcare Professional Most skin changes are benign, but early detection is vital for successful treatment. You should book an appointment with your GP or a skin specialist if: You notice any of the ABCDE signs mentioned above. A new mole appears suddenly in adulthood. An existing mole feels “different”—perhaps it’s tingling, inflamed, or simply stands out from all your other moles (the “ugly duckling” sign). By taking a few extra minutes to apply sunscreen and monitor your skin, you can enjoy the beautiful British sunshine with peace of mind. Stay safe, stay covered, and keep an eye on your skin! It’s a common misconception in the UK that if the sun isn’t shining brightly, there’s no need to worry about sun protection. We often think of sunscreen as something reserved for our summer holidays abroad or the one or two blistering days we get at home. However, at CHEC, we know that protecting your skin from the sun is a crucial, year-round commitment. Sun exposure is the number one cause of skin damage and a major contributor to the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. The real culprits are ultraviolet (UV) rays, and these rays are present every single day, no matter the weather. The Unseen Threat: UVA and UVB Rays The sun emits two types of UV rays that affect our skin: UVA rays: These rays penetrate deep into the skin’s layers. They are the primary cause of premature skin ageing, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. They can also pass through clouds and even glass, so you’re still exposed indoors or on a cloudy day. UVB rays: These are the rays that cause sunburn. They are the main cause of most skin cancers. While their intensity varies with the seasons, they are still a significant threat, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm, even on cooler days. Even when it feels cold or looks grey outside, UV rays are still reaching your skin. Protecting yourself is not just about avoiding sunburn; it’s about safeguarding your long-term skin health. Your Daily Sunscreen Checklist Making sunscreen a part of your daily routine is the single most effective way to protect your skin. Here’s how you can get it right: Always opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. “Broad-spectrum” means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t be shy with your application. You need a generous amount to get the full protective benefits. Reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours, and more frequently if you’re sweating or if it’s raining. Remember to apply it to your face, neck, ears, and the back of your hands—areas that are almost always exposed to the elements. When in Doubt, Get a Professional Opinion Regularly checking your skin for new moles or changes to existing ones is vital for early detection of skin cancer. If you have any concerns about a mole or any area of your skin that looks unusual, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. See our ABC’s of moles here At CHEC, we offer NHS dermatology services, providing easy access to professional advice and care. Our team of specialists is dedicated to helping you look after your skin, so you can feel confident in your health, all year round. Protecting your skin is a long-term investment. By making sunscreen a part of your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of sun damage and enjoy the outdoors safely. As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, many of us start to notice a change in our skin. That dewy summer glow can quickly give way to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. But don’t worry, you can keep your skin feeling soft and healthy all season long. Here are some simple, effective tips to help your skin transition smoothly into autumn. Hydration is key Probably the most crucial step when caring for not only your skin, but your overall health. While you might have been drinking plenty of water during the summer months, it’s just as important now. Dehydration affects your skin’s elasticity and overall health, so be sure to keep a water bottle handy. Switch Up Your Skincare The lightweight lotions and gels you used in summer might not be enough for the cooler weather. Use a richer moisturiser. Look for creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which draws moisture into the skin), ceramides (which help restore the skin’s barrier), or glycerine. Avoid harsh soaps. Bar soaps and cleansers with strong foaming agents can strip your skin of its natural oils. Switch to a creamy, hydrating cleanser instead. Don’t forget SPF. Remember, just because the sun isn’t shining bright doesn’t mean it’s strong rays aren’t strong (even on cloudy days). Continue to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin barrier from UV damage, which can worsen dryness. Adjust Your Shower Routine. Long, hot showers might feel amazing on a cold day, but they can do a lot of damage to your skin. Pat, don’t rub. Gently pat your skin with a towel after showering, leaving it slightly damp. This helps to lock in moisture before you apply your moisturiser. Turn down the temperature. Use lukewarm water instead of hot. Keep it short. Limit your showers to 5-10 minutes. Protect Your Skin from the Elements The wind and cold air can be tough on exposed skin. Wear a scarf and gloves. Protecting your hands and face is a simple way to prevent dryness and chapping. Use a humidifier. Indoor heating can significantly dry out the air in your home. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which can make a big difference to your skin, especially while you sleep. By making a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can ensure your skin stays supple and comfortable throughout the autumn season. If your dry skin is severe or persistent, it’s always a good idea to speak with your GP or a pharmacist. They can offer personalised advice and may recommend specific treatments. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects around 2–3% of the UK population, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Here, we set the record straight with key facts and important health advice for anyone living with psoriasis or supporting someone who is. Myth 1: “Psoriasis is just a skin condition” Fact: Psoriasis is more than skin deep. It’s a lifelong, immune-mediated condition that speeds up skin cell turnover. In people without psoriasis, skin cells are replaced roughly every 28 days. In psoriasis, this can happen in as little as 3–7 days. This accelerated skin production overwhelms the body’s ability to keep up with nutrient delivery and moisture balance, which leads to thick, dry, scaly patches on the skin, especially on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Myth 2: “It’s not inherited” Fact: Psoriasis has a strong genetic component. If a close relative has psoriasis, your risk of developing it increases significantly. In fact, approximately 40 – 50% of people with psoriasis have a family history of the condition. Myth 3: “Psoriasis only affects the skin” Fact: Psoriasis can also affect the joints. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop a related condition called psoriatic arthritis. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, often in the larger joints like knees, ankles, or fingers. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent joint damage and deformity. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. If you have psoriasis and start to notice joint pain or swelling, speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Myth 4: “Psoriasis is just a cosmetic issue” Fact: Psoriasis is linked to serious health risks, particularly cardiovascular disease. People with psoriasis are more likely to develop conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. This means lifestyle choices really matter: – Don’t smoke – Maintain a healthy BM – Stay physically active – Eat a balanced diet – stress levels low, as stress can also trigger flare-ups Taking care of your overall health not only supports your heart and joints, it can also improve your skin and reduce flare-ups. Myth 5: “It can be cured with the right cream” Fact: Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but the good news is there are many effective treatments, from topical therapies to phototherapy, tablets, and biologic injections. While there’s no cure, many people achieve excellent control and long periods of remission with the right treatment plan. In Summary Psoriasis is a complex condition that affects more than just the skin. It’s genetic, systemic, and potentially linked to joint and heart disease. But with the right support, lifestyle choices, and treatment, people with psoriasis can live full, healthy lives. If you have psoriasis and any concerns, particularly about joint pain or general health, speak to your GP or dermatologist. Early action makes a big difference. As we approach the summer months, longer days, warmer weather, and hopefully the glorious sunshine beckoning us outdoors. But while we’re busy making memories, our skin faces some unique challenges. From scorching rays to sticky humidity, the summer months can take a toll if we’re not careful. Fear not! This guide is packed with tips and hints to help you keep your skin happy, healthy, and glowing all season long. The Golden Rule: Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable Let’s get straight to the most crucial point: sunscreen is your best friend this summer. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are stronger during these months and can cause sunburn, premature ageing, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Make these habits your daily ritual: Broad Spectrum is Key: Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Think of UVA as the ageing rays and UVB as the burning rays – you need defence against both! SPF 30 or Higher: Aim for a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. This filters out about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs offer slightly more protection, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB. Apply Generously: Don’t skimp! Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. A good rule of thumb is about a shot glass full for your entire body. Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen wears off! Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Keep a travel-sized bottle handy for on-the-go touch-ups. Don’t Forget Hidden Spots: Pay attention to often-neglected areas like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, the tops of your feet, and even your lips (use a lip balm with SPF!). Hint: Make applying sunscreen part of your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth. Keep it visible so you don’t forget! Hydration Hero: Inside and Out Summer heat can lead to dehydration, which can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and lacklustre. Combat this by: Drinking Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated from the inside out is essential for healthy skin. Carry a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day. Lightweight Moisturisers: Swap your heavy winter creams for lighter lotions or gel-based moisturisers. These will hydrate your skin without feeling greasy in the heat. Hydrating Serums: Consider incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine. Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds moisture, keeping your skin plump and hydrated. Hint: Keep a refreshing facial mist in your bag for a quick burst of hydration throughout the day. Gentle Cleansing: Sweaty Situations Require Extra Care Sweat, oil, and sunscreen can build up on your skin during the summer, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Cleanse Regularly: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities. Post-Workout Wash: Shower as soon as possible after exercising to wash away sweat and bacteria. Avoid Harsh Scrubs: Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin, especially when it’s already exposed to the sun. Stick to gentle exfoliation a couple of times a week. Hint: Look for cleansers that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if you’re prone to summer breakouts, but use them sparingly to avoid dryness. Beat the Heat: Soothing Sunburn and Irritation Despite our best efforts, sunburn can sometimes happen. Here’s how to soothe and care for sunburnt skin: Cool It Down: Take cool showers or baths to help reduce inflammation. Moisturise Gently: Apply a fragrance-free, soothing moisturiser like aloe vera gel to help hydrate and heal the skin. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid in the healing process. Avoid Picking or Peeling: Let your skin heal naturally. Picking can lead to infection and scarring. Seek Shade: Avoid further sun exposure while your skin is healing. Hint: Keep aloe vera gel in the fridge for an extra cooling and soothing sensation. Summer is a time for fun and enjoying the outdoors. By incorporating these simple skincare tips into your routine, you can ensure your skin stays healthy, radiant, and protected all season long. So go ahead, soak up the sun – safely! It’s your body’s largest organ and works hard every day to protect you. Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple guide from CHEC will give you the basics for keeping your skin happy and healthy. The Basics to Skincare: Think of your basic skincare routine as a simple daily ritual. It doesn’t need to involve a million products! Here are the key things to focus on: Cleanse: Gently washing your face (and body) removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use a mild cleanser that suits your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive). Wash your face twice a day – morning and night. Moisturise: Even if you have oily skin, moisturising is important! It helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents it from overproducing oil to compensate for dryness. Choose a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type. Protect: This is arguably the most important step! Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Things to Keep an Eye On Your skin can tell you a lot about your overall health. It’s important to pay attention to any changes or new developments. Here are some things to look out for: Changes in Moles: Regularly check your moles for any changes in size, shape, colour, or texture. Look for moles that are asymmetrical (not the same on both sides), have irregular borders, have multiple colours, are larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), or are evolving (changing). These could be signs of skin cancer and should be checked by a healthcare professional. Remember the ABCDEs of moles: Asymmetry When examining moles, asymmetry is a critical characteristic to observe. A benign, or non-cancerous, mole typically exhibits symmetry, meaning if you were to draw an imaginary line down the middle, both halves would appear relatively identical. Conversely, an asymmetrical mole, where one half doesn’t mirror the other, raises concern. This irregularity in shape can be an early warning sign of melanoma, a potentially dangerous form of skin cancer. Therefore, paying close attention to the symmetry of moles during self-exams and professional skin checks is essential for early detection and timely intervention. Border irregularity When evaluating moles for potential signs of melanoma, border irregularity is a critical characteristic to observe. Healthy moles typically exhibit smooth, even borders, whereas suspicious moles may display ragged, notched, blurred, or indistinct edges. This irregularity signifies uncontrolled growth, a hallmark of melanoma, where the mole’s cells invade surrounding tissues in an uneven pattern. Therefore, any mole with an irregular border should be promptly assessed by a dermatologist to determine if further evaluation or a biopsy is necessary. Colour changes Changes in a mole’s colour are a significant indicator that it warrants closer inspection. While moles naturally vary in shade, from tan to dark brown, any noticeable shift, especially the appearance of multiple colours or a darkening of the mole, should raise concern. Specifically, the presence of black, blue, red, or white within a mole, or an uneven distribution of colour, can be a warning sign of melanoma. It’s crucial to observe if a mole’s colour becomes inconsistent, or if there’s a spreading of pigment into the surrounding skin. These colour changes, when coupled with other factors like irregular borders or increased diameter, necessitate prompt evaluation by a dermatologist. Diameter (larger than 6mm) A mole with a diameter larger than 6 millimetres (about the size of a pencil eraser) should raise concern and warrant professional medical evaluation. While not all large moles are cancerous, this size is a recognised “D” in the ABCDEs of melanoma detection (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter, and Evolving). Moles exceeding this diameter have a statistically higher risk of being or developing into melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Therefore, any mole exhibiting this characteristic should be promptly assessed by a dermatologist to determine its nature and ensure appropriate management. Evolving (changing) When monitoring moles, “evolving” is a critical term, signifying any noticeable change in a mole’s characteristics. This includes alterations in size, shape, colour, or the development of new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting. While moles can naturally change slightly over time due to factors like hormonal shifts or sun exposure, rapid or significant evolution warrants immediate attention. Because changes can be an early indicator of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is important to be vigilant, and to seek professional medical advice should any mole present signs of evolving. New or Unusual Spots or Bumps Notice any new spots, bumps, or patches that are itchy, painful, bleeding, or don’t go away? These could be signs of various skin conditions and should be checked. Persistent Rashes Rashes that are red, itchy, or painful and don’t improve within a few days could indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or another skin condition. Dry, Flaky, or Cracked Skin While sometimes just a sign of dry weather, severe or persistent dryness, flakiness, or cracking could indicate an underlying issue. Changes in Skin Colour Any sudden or unusual changes in skin colour, such as yellowing (jaundice), could be a sign of a health problem and should be investigated. When Should You See a Healthcare Professional? Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional if you notice any of the following: Any suspicious changes in moles or new skin growths. As mentioned above, this is crucial for early detection of skin cancer. A rash that is spreading rapidly, is very painful, or is accompanied by fever. These could be signs of a more serious infection or allergic reaction. Severe or persistent itching that is interfering with your daily life. Skin infections that don’t improve with home care. Signs of infection can include redness, swelling, pus, and warmth. Any skin condition that is causing you significant discomfort or distress. Taking Care of Your Skin is an Investment in Your Health: By following these simple tips and being aware of any changes in your skin, you can help keep it healthy and catch potential problems early. Remember, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They are there to help! For more information and resources on skincare, please visit our dermatology page. You may also be interested in…Spring into Clear Vision: Protecting Your Eyes This Spring Spring is a time of renewal and vibrancy, but it also brings unique challenges for our eyes. 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