Staying Safe in Brighton’s Summer Sunshine
Sun safety: protecting your skin during the sunnier months of the year.
With temperatures reaching 33.6°C in parts of the UK, yesterday was officially the hottest day of the year so far. In fact, the South East has already recorded its warmest June on record - and with a long summer still ahead, now is the time to start thinking seriously about sun safety.
Why sun protection matters - all year round
Even in the UK, the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin between mid-March and mid-October - whether it’s sunny, overcast, or breezy. You don’t need to burn for damage to occur and, over time, that damage builds up.
One of the most serious risks is melanoma - a dangerous form of skin cancer that can begin in an existing mole or appear on normal skin. It’s less common than other skin cancers, but more serious if not caught early. The good news? Up to 90% of melanoma cases are preventable with simple sun safety habits.
Spot problems early with regular checks
We always recommend taking a moment each month to check your skin. If you notice anything unusual - or just want peace of mind - book a professional mole check with us. Our GPs also offer routine skin reviews and can fast-track you to a specialist if needed. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the ABCDE signs.
A is for asymmetry
B is for border irregularity
C is for colour variation
D is for diameter over 6mm
E is for evolving shape or size
Enjoy the health benefits safely
Sunlight can be good for you, too. It helps your body make vitamin D, which supports healthy bones, teeth, muscles and immune system. It also boosts serotonin, the brain’s “happy hormone” - supporting mood, sleep and mental wellbeing. Sunlight may even help lower blood pressure and sharpen cognitive function. With so many physical and mental health benefits, you’ve got every reason to enjoy the sunshine - just be intentional about how you do it.
Our Sun Safety Checklist
Here are a few simple habits to help you stay safe:
Seek shade between 11am and 3pm
Wear breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-rated sunglasses
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen with 4-5 star UVA protection
Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating
Keep a water bottle handy and stay hydrated
Listen to your body - dizziness, headaches or cramps mean it’s time to rest and cool down
Enjoy the sun with confidence - we’re here for you
We may be biased, but we think Brighton & Hove is one of the best places in the UK to enjoy the sunshine. And with a few sensible steps, those hazy, lazy summer days can be not only fun and restorative, but safe too.
As always, we’re here to support you. Whether it’s help choosing the right sunscreen, learning how to check your skin, or booking a full skin health review, you can count on us.
Call our Reception Team on 01273 733830
Email us at reception@thehovepractice.co.uk
Or pop in and see us: 86 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EB
In the meantime… grab your shades, wear that hat, and enjoy the very best of British summertime.