Skin Cancer: Quick Self-Checks & Everyday Ways to Stay Safe in the Sun

Simple Ways to Check for Skin Cancer & Stay Safe in the Sun Written by Louise Thomas Skincare

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’s 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 & Support Your Skin Barrier - Sun exposure can dry and damage your skin—use antioxidant-rich skincare, like our Hero serum #2 Soothe & calm & 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:

• Offering advice on the best SPF-rich skincare products to protect and nourish

• Educating clients on skin cancer awareness during consultations

• Encouraging regular self-checks and professional assessments

Your skin tells your story—let’s protect it together.

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