The sun mistakes experts want you to stop making this summer

As temperatures soar and Britain enjoys longer spells of sunshine, experts are warning that many of us are still making mistakes when it comes to protecting our skin.

Dr Riaz Agha, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Harley Clinic, says hot weather often leads to more patients seeking advice about sun damage, changing moles and suspicious skin lesions. This is partly because increased UV exposure can trigger changes, but also because people become more aware of their skin during the summer months.

“During periods of prolonged sunny weather, we do tend to see more patients presenting with concerns about moles and other skin lesions,” explains Dr Agha. “People are applying sunscreen more regularly, spending more time outdoors and seeing more public health messaging around skin cancer, which means they are more likely to notice changes that may have previously gone unnoticed.”

The biggest sunscreen mistake people make

One of the most common mistakes Dr Agha sees is people applying sunscreen once in the morning and assuming they are protected all day.

“Sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly, particularly after swimming, sweating heavily or towel drying,” he says. “During very hot weather, heavy sweating can reduce protection, so most manufacturers recommend reapplying every two hours during prolonged outdoor exposure.”

He also warns against relying on sunscreen alone.

“Sun protection should be a combination of sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing a hat and avoiding prolonged exposure during the hottest parts of the day.”

Dr Agha recommends using SPF 50 during heatwaves or periods of prolonged sun exposure, ensuring it offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Why the UK sun should not be underestimated

Many people assume the British sun is less dangerous than being abroad, but Dr Agha says this is a misconception.

“Certain parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East experience much higher UV levels than the UK, but that does not mean the UK sun is harmless,” he explains.

“During heatwaves, UV levels can still be high enough to cause significant sun damage, particularly because many people are not used to long periods of intense sunshine.”

With UK temperature records being repeatedly broken in recent years, he says sun protection should be taken seriously at home as well as overseas.

The body parts people forget to protect

While most people remember their face and arms, several areas are frequently missed.

“The back of the neck is commonly overlooked, particularly in men and people with shorter hairstyles,” says Dr Agha. “Other areas people often forget include the ears, scalp, eyelids, lips and the tops of the feet.”

He also warns that cloudy weather does not mean people are safe from UV damage.

“UV radiation can penetrate cloud cover, so it is possible to sustain sun damage on overcast days. In fact, people can be at greater risk because they often spend longer outdoors without realising they are still being exposed.”

Why one bad sunburn can have lifelong consequences

A serious sunburn is not just painful in the short term — it can have lasting effects.

“Repeated episodes of sunburn significantly increase the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer,” says Dr Agha. “Even a single blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can more than double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.”

Sun damage accumulates over time, meaning the effects of excessive exposure may not become visible for decades.

“Many patients regret excessive sun exposure or frequent sunbathing in their twenties and thirties. People often feel invulnerable when they are younger, but UV damage may not become apparent until later in life.”

Why children need extra protection

With schools breaking up for summer, parents are being urged to take extra care.

“Children’s skin is thinner and more vulnerable to UV damage,” says Dr Agha. “They also have a higher surface area relative to their body size, meaning they can become dehydrated more quickly.”

His advice for parents is simple: apply sunscreen before children go outside, reapply regularly throughout the day, encourage breaks in the shade, and make sure they wear hats and drink plenty of fluids.

“The biggest mistake is forgetting to reapply sunscreen. Children can spend many hours outdoors during the holidays, and it is easy for time to pass without realising their protection has worn off.”

Is there such a thing as a healthy tan?

According to Dr Agha, there is no such thing as a safe tan.

“A tan is the skin’s response to UV-induced injury. The darkening of the skin is the body attempting to protect itself after DNA damage,” he explains.

“Although many people associate a tan with looking healthy, biologically it represents sun damage, accelerated skin ageing and an increased long-term risk of skin cancer.”

How to check your skin for warning signs

Dr Agha recommends using the ABCDE rule when checking moles:

A – Asymmetry: one half looks different from the other.
B – Border: uneven or irregular edges.
C – Colour: multiple colours or changing shades.
D – Diameter: larger lesions may require assessment.
E – Evolution: any mole changing in size, shape, colour or symptoms.

“Any mole that is changing, bleeding, crusting, itching or growing should be checked by a healthcare professional,” he says.

Taking photographs of moles can also help track changes over time, and asking a partner or family member to check hard-to-see areas such as the back can be useful.

The one thing Dr Agha wants everyone to remember

“Be more proactive than you think,” he says.

“Make sun protection easy by keeping sunscreen somewhere visible, such as next to your front door or car keys, so applying it becomes part of your routine. Simple behavioural changes, alongside wearing a hat and seeking shade, can significantly reduce long-term skin damage.”