🌞 Sun Awareness Week 2025: Stay Safe in the Sun

May has brought with it some inconsistent weather. From peaking at nearly 24° Celsius on the first day of the month, temperatures in Newcastle dropped as low as 3° over the Bank Holiday weekend.

But, as the month progresses, we’re due more warmer, sunnier days. While this is good news for most of us, spending more time outside means thinking more about the sun and looking after our skin.

Sun Awareness Week (12th to 18th May) reminds us to stay safe in the sun and learn the early signs of skin damage.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. It’s caused by too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays, and cases are rising each year.

Here are some practical tips about taking care of your skin, and the signs to look out for. We’ll also bust some popular myths about the sun, your skin and tanning.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Skin

You don’t need to burn to be at risk. Damage builds up over time.

Here’s how to stay safe:

• Wear long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply often.
• Stay in the shade between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Never use sunbeds.

If you get sunburned:

• Take a cool shower.
• Use after-sun lotion or aloe vera.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed.
• Cover the area and keep it out of the sun.

Your local pharmacist will be able to suggest other ways to help.

Only call NHS 111 or see a doctor if:

• You have blisters, swelling, or feel very unwell.
• A baby or young child is sunburned.

🔎 Skin Cancer: What to Look For

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

• Common symptoms: A sore, lump, or patch that won’t heal.
• Cases: About 230,000 in the UK each year.
• Treatment: Usually removed with a small operation.

Melanoma Skin Cancer

• More serious, but less common.
• Cases: About 20,800 expected in 2025.
• Signs to watch for:
  • A new mole.
  • A mole that changes in size, shape, or colour.
  • A mole that bleeds, crusts, or itches.
  • A dark spot under a nail that doesn’t go away.

See your GP if you notice anything unusual. Early treatment gives you the best chance of recovery.

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🤨 Myths About Sun Safety

Myth 1️⃣: Dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen.
❌ False. Darker skin has more natural protection but can still get damaged. Everyone should wear sunscreen.

Myth 2️⃣: You can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day.
❌ False. Up to 80% of UV rays still get through clouds.

Myth 3️⃣: You can’t get sunburned in cold weather.
❌ False. UV rays are present all year. You can burn even in winter.

Myth 4️⃣: Glass protects you from UV rays.
❌ Partly false. Most glass blocks UVB rays but not UVA rays, which can still harm your skin.

Myth 5️⃣: Sunbeds are safer than the sun.
❌ False. Sunbeds emit strong UV rays that can damage your skin and raise cancer risk.

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⚠️ Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can get skin cancer, but you’re more at risk if:

• You have pale skin or lots of moles.
• You’ve had sunburns in the past.
• You use sunbeds.
• You’re over 75.
• You have a family history of skin cancer.

Cases are rising fast—especially in older adults. Since the 1990s, melanoma rates in over-55s have gone up by almost 200%.

✅ Final Tips

Sunshine is good for your mood and health—but only in small doses.

• Protect your skin.
• Check for changes often.
• Ask your GP if you’re worried.The Scottish Sun+12Weather2Travel.com+12The Irish Sun+12

Sun safety now could save your life later.