As we head into the final weeks of summer 2025, the UK is sweltering under yet another heatwave.

June was the warmest on record for England, July was among the hottest, and this week is shaping up to be another scorcher. Temperatures are pushing into the 30s across large parts of the country, triggering yellow health alerts and prompting fresh drought declarations.

At the same time, social media feeds are flooded with images of deep tan lines and alarming tanning behaviours – such as “sun tattoos” – the viral TikTok trend where people apply sunscreen in patterns so the skin burns around it. Dermatologists and skin health experts have called it out for what it is: deliberate sun damage, with all the long-term risks that come with it.

Heatwaves and risky skin-exposure trends are a dangerous combination. Marie Tudor, CEO from skin cancer charity Skcin, warns that our nation’s obsession with tanning amplifies the risk of DNA damage and skin cancer, particularly among younger people.

“Skin cancer is more commonly diagnosed than any other cancer,” she tells ITN Business. “90% of cases are caused by over-exposure to UV radiation from the sun and or sunbeds, yet the nation’s obsession with tanning continues to fuel the year-on-year increase in cases.

“There is no such thing as a ‘safe tan’ or a ‘healthy glow’- it’s simply a sign of UV damage. Damage caused by UV radiation is cumulative and irreparable. It builds up with each and every exposure, damaging the DNA in the skin cells that can lead to skin cancer – and with an estimated 1 in 5 to be diagnosed in their lifetime, it’s crucial to take simple steps to not only protect your skin, but check it monthly for the early warning signs.”

With extreme heat days now happening two to four times more frequently than in previous decades, there’s never been a more urgent need to follow simple, effective sun protection strategies. Easy-to-remember actions are key to staying safe under the sun.

The 5 S of sun safety

Skcin distils best-practice advice into its memorable ‘5 S’ framework – straightforward, science-backed actions you can use daily:

  • Slip on long-sleeved clothing when the UV index hits 3 or above (especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
  • Slop on broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen — and reapply every two hours.
  • Slap on a wide-brimmed hat; maximum coverage always beats style points.
  • Slide on sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays (look for UV400 or CE labels).
  • Shade — seek cover under trees, canopies, or umbrellas whenever possible.

The 5 S of skin checks

The charity also champions its ‘Check and Protect’ guide for spotting potential signs of skin cancer early. Once a month, take a few minutes to look for:

  • Size – Any new or existing mole or skin lesion that’s increased in size?
  • Shape – Are the borders asymmetric, irregular or blurred?
  • Shades – More than one colour or a darker appearance?
  • Surface – Any changes in texture, such as scaliness, crusting, bleeding or inflammation?
  • Sensation – Does it itch, tingle, feel tender or different to the touch?

If you notice even one of these warning signs, seek medical advice promptly. Early detection can be lifesaving.

With another blistering week ahead and UV levels at their peak, Skcin’s two simple ‘5 S’ frameworks provide a clear and reliable way to cut through the confusion around sun safety and skin checks.

The charity offers a comprehensive range of resources – from a handy mobile app and downloadable booklets to practical tools like a mole ruler and lesion-tracking body chart. They also provide a Primary Care Prevention Toolkit, designed to help healthcare professionals with early detection, referral guidance, and patient education. Head here to learn more.