As the days grow longer and warmer, many of us eagerly anticipate spending more time outdoors. But before you head out to soak up that sunshine, it’s worth remembering that those golden rays come with both benefits and risks.
Sun Awareness Week, taking place from May 12th to 18th, serves as a timely reminder to enjoy the sun safely and protect our skin from potential damage. So, let’s take a closer look.
What is Sun Awareness Week?
Sun Awareness Week is an annual health campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sun protection and the risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
While sunshine provides essential vitamin D and boosts our mood, too much of anything is never good. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to premature skin ageing, eye damage, and skin cancer.
As such, this campaign highlights the importance of knowing your skin type, checking your skin regularly for changes, and adopting sun-safe behaviours that can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. These simple preventative measures are especially important as skin cancer rates continue to rise in the UK, with over 100,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
How To Participate
Sun Awareness Week is about not just awareness but also taking proactive action for yourself and your loved ones. Here’s how you can do that:
- Use Toxic-Free Sunscreen and/or Be Smart About Sun Exposure: There are a few options for toxic-free sunscreens, like Awake Organics. The truth is we do need some sun exposure (about 20 minutes a day), such as for converting cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D. To avoid burning, you can also avoid the sun at the worst times (usually between 11 am and 3 pm) and stay in the shade during this high UV time. But make sure you do get a bit of sun each day! Our circadian rhythms run off of sunlight exposure, as do many other processes. However, because we jump from season to season, when that sunny weather hits, it’s wise to slowly ease into exposing your skin to the sun; this may help prevent that first red burn that many people get on the first bright and sunny day.
- Check Your Skin Regularly: Get familiar with your skin’s natural appearance and monitor for any changes. Look for new moles or changes in existing ones using the ABCDE method (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving size, shape, or colour).
- Know Your Risk: Fair skin, multiple moles, family history of skin cancer, and previous sunburns all increase your risk. If you tick these boxes, be extra vigilant with sun protection.
- Spread the Word: Share sun safety tips with friends and family. Children are particularly vulnerable to sun damage, so teaching them good habits early is essential.
On top of preventing cancer, protecting your skin from the sun also reduces the effects of aging, such as fine lines, age spots, and wrinkles. If you’re interested in other ways to take your health to a whole other level, visit your Finsbury Park chiropractor. Schedule your FREE discovery call today. BOOK NOW.