Protecting Your Skin: A Guide to Sun Safety and Mole Awareness Post Date : April 8, 2026 Skincare 3 minutes read 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!