Sun Safety with Skcin
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
As the crocuses start to bloom and the buds appear on the trees, it’s clear that Spring is (finally!) on its way. With the sun beginning to show up more often, many of us are eager to soak up that vitamin D and feel a the warmth of the sun on our skin again.
Before we rush outside, now is the perfect moment to refresh our knowledge on how to look after our skin safely in the sun - it is the body's largest organ after all!
At Movement Matters, we take skin health seriously. That's why we’ve completed Skcin’s Melanoma and Skin Cancer Early Detection (MASCED) Pro+ training.
As massage therapists we often see areas of skin - such as the back, shoulders, or the backs of the legs - that clients can’t easily check themselves. We are not doctors and we don’t diagnose, but we can help by noticing anything new or unusual and then signposting clients to a qualified healthcare professional.
Early detection and treatment are important for better outcomes - but prevention is always better than cure. With that in mind, here are Skcin’s 5 S’s of Sun Safety, to use whenever UV levels reach 3 or above. Click here to check the UK's UV index forecast at any time.
1: SLIP on clothing
It might feel a bit silly and premature while temperatures are still in single digits, but as Spring and Summer arrive, clothing becomes your first line of defence. Choose close‑weave fabrics that offer better protection to cover up with.
2: SLOP on SPF 30+ sunscreen
Apply a broad‑spectrum SPF 30+ with 4 or 5‑star UVA protection 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours to exposed skin. Don’t forget your lips! SPF 30+ lip balm is your friend. Remember: no sunscreen offers complete protection, so combine it with other measures.
3: SLAP on a wide‑brimmed hat
A wide brim protects the scalp, face, neck, ears, cheeks, and eyes. If you prefer a baseball cap, take extra care to protect the back of the neck, ears, and sides of the face.
4: SLIDE on quality sunglasses
Price and lens darkness don’t indicate UV protection. Look for sunglasses that:
block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays
are marked CE, UV400, or EPF 9 or 10
fit closely to reduce UV entering around the edges
5: SHADE from the sun when possible
Seek shade whenever you can, especially between 11am and 3pm, when UV levels are highest. Shade is important but it’s not enough on its own. Combine it with the other four S’s for full protection.
For more information on sun safety, visit the UK’s leading skin cancer charity Skcin.
Put a little spring in your step…
As the days get brighter and we spend more time outdoors, it’s a great moment to give your body some extra care and attention too. If you’d like to feel more comfortable, more mobile, and more energised this season, why not book a massage with us?
