As warmer, sunnier, longer days gradually become more common, we can enjoy a more outdoorsy lifestyle once again, but most of us still need to be reminded about the importance of sun sense.
Aesthetic Physician Dr Barbara Kubicka from Clinicbe looks at the importance of sensible sun exposure; providing essential advice to keep your skin safe and protected this summer.
The Importance of Sun Sense
Dr Barbara Kubicka MD says:
Being ‘sensible’ in the sun has never been more important.
We now understand the risks caused by overexposure to the sun and the statistics are sobering.
Facts About Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer
- Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer
- Skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer overall in the UK and 2nd for adults aged 15-34
- There are around 13,300 diagnoses each year of malignant melanoma and 2,100 lives lost to the disease (nearly 1 in 6)
- Over 80% of cases could have been prevented through avoiding sunburn
- Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing malignant melanoma
Just one case of sunburn can cause DNA damage to the skin cells. If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which could lead to skin cancer. Peeling after sunburn is a clear sign of over-exposure – it is the body’s way of getting rid of damaged skin cells. Although skin peels and new skin layers form, some damage can still remain. So it is important to try to avoid burning in the first place.
Recent stories in the press have shown the staggering rise in cases of skin cancer among pensioners, many of whom took advantage of the surge in cheap package holidays 40 years ago, a time before sun protection was fully understood. Younger generations have been brought up with a better understanding of the risks and far greater choices of sun protection product, yet the temptation to risk a few minutes in the sun is immense.
Concerned About Sun Exposure?
Prevention is always the best form of defence against the effects of sun exposure, but if you’ve already over-indulged – whether recently or in the past – and have concerns, what should you do?
- If you have a mole you are concerned about, then it is vital to seek advice quickly. If deemed ‘suspicious’, it should be removed as soon as possible and tested professionally.
- For unwanted moles that are not ‘suspicious’ that spoil the look of the skin, or problems such as sun spots, liver spots or age spots, then Clinicbe’s advanced electrolysis offers fast treatment for skin blemishes and lesions
- If your skin is showing signs of premature ageing due to sun exposure – such as wrinkles or pigmentation – then see an aesthetic physician such as Dr Barbara Kubicka at Clinicbe. There are a range of treatments which may improve the appearance of the skin such as mesotherapy, botox, fillers or dermamelan
However, to avoid problems in the future, the best advice on all accounts remains to be very careful when it comes to sun exposure and to implement the necessary protection so that damage doesn’t occur in the first place.
Clinicbe London
Dr Kubicka takes a holistic approach to skincare treatments; treating the patient as a whole in order to get the best possible results from any treatments.
Private consultations include a review of wider health and lifestyle issues and often include individual advice on nutrition, hydration and lifestyle as well as professional treatments.
Advice on any non-surgical skin treatments is made after extensive discussion and review.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please contact us on 0207 125 0521 or email info@clinicbe.com
