Year-Round Skin Health Tips
Maintaining healthy skin is a year‑round commitment. By combining daily sun protection habits, regular self‑exams, and annual professional skin checks, you can help to reduce your risk of skin cancer and detect potential concerns early. Building these behaviours into your routine not only protects you from harmful UV exposure but also supports long‑term skin resilience, helping you enjoy the outdoors with greater confidence and peace of mind.
1. Daily:
Make sun protection part of your everyday routine. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and choose UPF 50+ clothing and UPF 50+ sun hats for reliable, consistent coverage. Long sleeves, broad‑brimmed hats and UV‑blocking sunglasses can significantly reduce exposure to damaging UV rays. Remember to reapply sunscreen regularly when outdoors, particularly after sweating or swimming, and always include commonly missed areas such as the neck, ears, scalp, lips and the backs of your hands.
It’s also important to dress according to the UV index, not just the temperature. UV levels can be high even when it’s cloudy, cool or overcast, as up to 80% of UV rays can pass through cloud cover. Making sun safety an automatic part of your morning routine ensures your skin is protected no matter the season.
In addition to daily habits, make sure to avoid sunburn and seek shade whenever possible. Sunburn significantly increases cumulative UV damage and raises the long‑term risk of skin cancer. Avoid tanning altogether, and never use UV tanning beds, as they expose the skin to concentrated UVA and UVB radiation.
2. Monthly:
Set aside time each month to check your skin with a self‑exam. It only takes a few minutes and could help detect areas of concern early. Most skin cancers are highly treatable when found and addressed early, so consistency matters. When examining your skin, use a mirror or ask someone to help you check hard‑to‑see areas such as your back, scalp or behind your legs.
Remember, the signs to look out for in skin spots are:
Asymmetry - One half is a different shape to the other
Border - It has an irregular or poorly defined border
Colour - It has multiple colours
Diameter - It is larger than 6mm
Evolving - It is changing in size, shape or colour
Keeping a record of spots or taking photos can help you notice changes over time.
3. Yearly:
Book an appointment with your doctor and/or dermatologist at least once a year for a full‑body skin check and to discuss any concerns. Dermatologists have specialised equipment that allows them to examine your skin in more detail and identify subtle changes that may require further investigation. An annual check provides reassurance and ensures any potential issues are addressed promptly.
These simple routines help protect your skin from harmful UV exposure, support early identification of changes, and ensure you’re taking proactive steps toward long-term skin health, so that you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence.
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation
You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF 50+ sun protective range by clicking the links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF 50+
