Summer sun, skin and hair: a plain-language checklist

Every July the same questions come up in Health & Wellness: which sunscreen, how often, and is it normal for my hair to feel like straw by August? Below is the checklist I give patients. As always, this is general information, not medical advice for your situation. If something worries you, see your own doctor.

Skin

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and use more than you think. Most people put on less than half the amount it was tested with.
• Reapply every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or heavy sweating.
• Don't forget ears, the back of the neck and the tops of your feet. Those are the burns I see most.
• Darker skin still burns and still needs protection. This myth comes up every single summer.

Scalp and hair

• The parting in your hair is skin that gets direct sun. A hat does more than any product.
• Chlorine and salt water dry hair out. A rinse with fresh water after swimming helps.
• Heat styling plus sun is a lot for hair to handle. Give it a few days off on holiday.

When to get a mole checked

If a mole changes shape, colour or size, starts bleeding, or just looks different from your others, book an appointment. Earlier is always better.

Peer tips for different skin and hair types are welcome below, with the usual reminder that they're no substitute for a check-up.