Latest news with #UVexposure
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Skin cancer peaks in summer – so why is early detection still an afterthought?
Summer is the season of sun-drenched beaches, long outdoor afternoons and much-needed holidays. But it's also melanoma season, a time when skin cancer risk quietly surges while most people let their guard down. As UV exposure intensifies, so does the risk of developing malignant skin lesions. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is directly linked to sunburns and overexposure to UV radiation. According to data from SkinVision, skin cancer cases, including melanoma are most commonly checked and detected during the summer months. One reason is that we're simply seeing more of our skin. Short sleeves, swimsuits and sunbathing make skin more visible, both to ourselves and to others, making it a time when early signs are more likely to be noticed. And yet many people let that moment slip by without taking action. We pack sunscreen. We stay in the shade. We wear hats. But we rarely check our skin, and that may be one of the most significant missed opportunities in cancer prevention. Melanoma rates have risen by more than 30 per cent in the past decade in the UK, with forecasts predicting further increases by 2040. And while skin cancer is often associated with older adults, cases in young people, particularly women under 40, are climbing fast, largely driven by tanning culture, sporadic sunburns and limited awareness. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers – and one of the most detectable. The warning signs of melanoma are often visible: a mole that changes in shape, colour or size, or a new spot that doesn't look quite right. When caught early, melanoma has a five-year survival rate of around 99 per cent. But that figure drops sharply – to around 75 per cent or lower – once the cancer has spread. Early diagnosis is not just beneficial, it's life-saving. Yet too many people ignore skin changes until they become impossible to dismiss. And during summer, when changes may be easier to notice, distractions, travel and a sense of holiday relaxation mean that many warning signs go uninvestigated. People delay appointments until they return from holiday. Or they tell themselves they'll deal with it in autumn. But that delay can be critical. Summer's paradox: high risk, low action There's an irony to how we treat summer. Our skin is exposed more than at any other time of year, but our healthcare routines are often paused. Sunburn risk increases. UV radiation peaks. In some countries, people accumulate more sun exposure during two weeks abroad than in the rest of the year combined. And yet we often deprioritise health checks in favour of holiday plans. What's more, UV damage is cumulative. Even if melanoma doesn't 'start' in summer, years of exposure build risk. A mole that's changed this summer may be a sign of damage done long ago, but it's still a signal that needs to be checked. Why early detection still gets left behind Part of the problem is logistical. Seeing a dermatologist during the summer is often harder than usual. Clinics are understaffed. Appointments are delayed. Many people are abroad or traveling. And without a pressing reason, it's easy to put off a check-up until autumn, or later. But it's also cultural. We're conditioned to treat skin changes as cosmetic, not clinical. A new freckle? Probably harmless. A mole that looks different? Maybe it's always been that way. Unlike breast or prostate cancer, there's no widespread cultural routine for skin checks. No regular screening reminders. No strong public narrative around vigilance. This mindset delays care. And while many people are vigilant with sunblock, they forget to follow up on what's already there: a mark, a mole, a spot that's changed. Technology can close the gap This is where digital tools such as SkinVision come in. Rather than waiting weeks for an appointment, users can analyse a suspicious mole or spot on their skin and receive feedback immediately. The app uses clinically validated AI to assess whether the mark is low risk or may require follow-up. Behind the algorithm, a team of dermatologists provides oversight where needed. This doesn't replace doctors, but it does provide a valuable first step. Especially during summer, when travel, limited clinic access and wait times can all discourage action. Importantly, most assessments result in reassurance, helping users avoid unnecessary worry or appointments. But in the small percentage of high-risk cases, that quick feedback leads to timely medical care. Expanding the summer health conversation We already talk about protecting skin in summer. But protection is just one half of the story. Detection completes the loop. It's not about replacing advice, it's about enhancing it: Keep wearing sunscreen Keep staying in the shade But also check your skin And if something seems off, don't wait. Making skin checks part of the summer health checklist, just like hydration or UV alerts, can shift behaviour in small but powerful ways. Skin cancer doesn't develop overnight. It grows silently. But the signs are often right in front of us, and summer may be the only time we're looking. Instead of missing that window, we should be seizing it. Let this be the year that summer season becomes a moment for action, not just risk. A moment to combine sun protection with proactive skin checks. A moment to notice a mark, take a closer look and follow up, even while on holiday. Because when it comes to skin cancer, early detection isn't just better. It's life-saving.
TechCrunch
6 days ago
- TechCrunch
Jack Dorsey's latest app tracks sun exposure
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is on an app-building spree. After releasing a Bluetooth-based messaging app called Bitchat earlier this month, this weekend Dorsey revealed another app called Sun Day that ostensibly helps users track UV exposure and Vitamin D intake. The new app is available via TestFlight on iOS, and its code is on GitHub for anyone to clone. track your (vitamin) D a Sun Day app for — jack (@jack) July 13, 2025 Like other developers, Dorsey is riding the vibe-coding bandwagon. But instead of using Cursor, Claude Code, or Windsurf, he says he is using an open-source coding tool called Goose. Sun Day is simple to use. It shows you the UV Index for your location along with details like cloud cover, sunrise, and sunset timings. You can choose your skin type from six options, and what kind of clothing you're wearing. Based on these parameters, the app will calculate how long you can expose your skin to sunlight before it starts to burn. Image Credit: TechCrunch The app also shows your minimum vitamin D intake. Start a session by tapping on the 'Track UV Exposure' button, and after the session is ended, the app will show how much vitamin D you've gained throughout the session, and in the day.
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Now that's what you call a burner phone! Creepy case is covered in fake SKIN that burns just like human flesh when exposed to UV
From sparkly plastic cases to the classic Boomer-favourite wallet case, phone cases already come in a range of weird and wonderful styles. But the latest case is arguably the most unusual one yet. O2 has joined forces with pioneering Creative Technologist, Marc Teyssier, on a new phone case, which is designed to mimic human skin. Dubbed the 'Skincase', the creepy case is 3D-printed using silicone, which means it not only looks like human skin, but also feels like it. Available in four skintones, the Skincase features special pigments that change colour when exposed to UV – just like our skin burning in the sun. O2 hopes it will remind holidaymakers to take as much notice of their skin while on holiday as they do their phone. 'Our phones are objects we don't expect to change and to react in a humane way,' Mr Teyssier said. 'By creating a tangible, visceral reaction to UV exposure, together with O2, the Skincase not only raises awareness of sun safety towards but highlights how sun protection is an undeniable priority.' Europe has seen record-breaking temperatures this week, as a deadly heatwave sweeps the continent. Spain recorded its hottest June day on record at the weekend, with 46C recorded in El Granado, in the Andalucían province of Huelva. Meanwhile, a new record high for June was also recorded in Mora in Portugal on Sunday, at 46.6C (116F), according to the national meteorological agency. With many Brits counting down to their European breaks, O2 set out to find a way to remind these holidaymakers about sun safety. 'Holidays should be about creating unmissable moments, bringing home souvenirs and making memories – not about roaming bills and sunburn,' said Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2. 'With mobiles being such an essential part of everyday life, and while on holiday as our research shows, we've created the Skincase to demonstrate in real time just how severe the effects of sunburn can be, and to promote awareness of vital sun safety among holidaymakers.' To create the case, Mr Teyssier combined silicone with a UV-reacting pigment, and fed the mix through a 3D printer. To make it look as lifelike as possible, the researcher even etched lines into the synthetic skin, making it look like the palm of a hand. To create the case, Mr Teyssier combined silicone with a UV-reacting pigment, and fed the mix through a 3D printer When it's inside or in the shade, the case is either beige, tan, or dark brown, depending on the design. However, when you take it outside, or shine a UV light on it, it quickly changes colour - turning either pink or darker brown. Unfortunately, the phone case is still a prototype, and it remains unclear when, or if it will go on sale in the UK. This isn't the first time that Mr Teyssier has come out with a skin-inspired phone case. Back in 2019, the researcher developed a skin-like phone case that r esponded to different forms of human contact such as tickling, caressing and pinching. Speaking at the time, he said: 'This skin has a subtle surface texture – the sensing is performed in the dermis and the hypodermis layer (fat layer) and the elasticity is what allows us to perform expressive gestures such as pinching.'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tanning Is "Trending" Again—But Seriously, Don't Do It
A sun-kissed tan might look good and make you feel great, but what if we told you that UV exposure is damaging your skin? From lying out beside the pool to hitting the tanning salon, the pursuit of a tanned, bronzed glow is growing increasingly popular these days. But trust us (and dermatologists) when we say: this is a habit that's truly best to avoid. Keep reading to gain a deeper understanding of the differences between natural tanning outdoors, tanning beds, and self-tanners, and why the golden glow may not be worth the skin-damaging trade-offs that come with it, as shared by board-certified Sung, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Perq in Seattle. Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Los tanning outdoors is the most well-known method of tanning. The premise is simple: after spending time outside and being exposed to the sun's UV rays, the skin becomes darker. But not without significant cost. "These rays cause DNA damage in skin cells almost immediately, even before a tan or sunburn is visible," says Sarah Sung, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. "Once the damage is underway, the body responds by activating melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in your skin." These cells produce and distribute melanin, which contributes to the appearance of a tan. The more melanin, the darker the tan. Although it may feel good to soak in the sun's warm rays, it's essential to understand that tanning can be very harmful to your skin. When you spend time in a tanning bed, UV light darkens the skin, mimicking the effects of sun exposure. One interesting aspect of tanning beds is that they primarily use UVA rays. They're designed to minimize UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. So, you may not experience redness, pain, and other signs of a sunburn after spending time in a tanning bed, but this doesn't mean a tanning bed tan is safe for your skin. On the contrary, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has stated that tanning beds are carcinogenic to humans. "The absence of warning signs leads to a false sense of safety, though the cellular damage is even more severe," Sung says." Dermatologists agree that is the only safe way to tan. You have several options here, including mousses, lotions, and sprays containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA). All of these can mimic a tan by staining the top layer of the skin—no sun exposure involved. (We've even taken the liberty of testing the best self-tanners for a natural-looking glow.) "There is no UV radiation involved in self-tanning, meaning no melanin production, no inflammation, no DNA damage, and thus, no increase in skin cancer risk," Sung says. "It is the only safe way to appear tan. A real tan is your body's response to injury. A self-tan is just color on the surface, like makeup, but longer-lasting." However, there are still a few minor risks to consider. Dermatologists suggest using caution not to inhale spray tan products. As with other skincare products, there's also a risk of allergic reactions when using self-tanner. Of course, there's always a chance your self-tanner might leave streaks or orange tones on your skin if it isn't applied properly, but with proper application, self-tanner can look natural. When you tan, your skin ramps up production of melanin. And that increased production of melanin? That's your body's attempt to protect your skin from more damage. "That tan may look like a glow, but it's actually a visible sign of skin injury," says Asmi Berry, DO, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Tanning comes with many risks. In the short term, you may experience sunburn, oxidative stress, dehydrated skin, and an inflammatory response that can cause skin damage. Meanwhile, the long-term risks include skin cancer and photoaging, which can lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sagging skin, and collagen breakdown. However, there are some differences in the ways that outdoor tanning and tanning beds impact your skin. When you tan outside, your skin is exposed to both UVA and UVB rays. "UVB rays cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to DNA damage, collagen breakdown, and long-term aging," Berry says. "Even if you don't burn, tanning outdoors accelerates the aging process and increases your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma." Using a tanning bed definitely isn't doing your skin any favors either. "It is fast, silent, and damaging in a way you can't feel right away," Sung says. "You may think it's safer because you are not burning, but UVA goes deeper and does more lasting harm. You're skipping the warning signs and heading straight for the long-term consequences." Compared to outdoor tanning, tanning beds are worse for your skin health (for the record, outdoor tanning definitely isn't much better). "The concentrated UVA rays cause deeper skin damage and are linked to higher rates of melanoma, especially in younger people," Berry says. "Just because there's no sunburn doesn't mean there's no harm." When you lie in a tanning bed, you're getting a massive dose of UVA rays that can be stronger than that of the midday summer sun, Sung tells us. This increases the risk of melanoma, especially when tanning beds are used before the age of 35. "Tanning beds fast-track DNA damage, accelerate visible aging, and dramatically increase skin cancer risk, even more than natural tanning, which already makes dermatologists cringe," Sung says. The best way to protect your skin from sun damage is to limit your time in the sun. But not tanning doesn't mean you need to hide indoors all summer. Here are some tips: First things first, wear sunscreen. In most cases, dermatologists would say this is a non-negotiable. "Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day and reapply every two hours if you're outdoors," Berry says. "If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, opt for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide." If you're going to be outdoors, wide-brim hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and long clothing can all help keep the sun off your skin. You can even buy ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) clothing that blocks some of the sun's damaging UV rays. Some people use UV-protecting gloves while driving. "Hands and forearms get sun daily without you even noticing, and that's where I see some of the earliest sun damage in patients," Sung says. "The skin on the hands is some of the thinnest and most delicate on the body." If you're committed to a sun-kissed glow, there's one shortcut that doesn't require sun exposure: self-tanner. According to Dr. Berry, this is the safest way to get a tan without causing skin damage. The most important thing to keep in mind is that there's no safe way to tan. A tan can lead to skin cancer, signs of aging, sunburn, dehydrated skin, and other adverse effects. "Any tan is a sign of skin damage," Berry says. "The safest way to get a sun-kissed glow without the cellular damage is with a self-tanner or bronzing product. Just make sure to apply sunscreen on top." Read the original article on Byrdie
Vogue Arabia
06-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue Arabia
Is Hair & Scalp SPF Actually a Thing?
Time and again, we're reminded that sunscreen is sacrosanct. It's the Holy Grail of skincare. The be-all and end-all of your routine. But does the rule apply to your hair and scalp, too? The internet seems to think so, and considering your scalp is an extension of your skin, the experts agree, too. 'The scalp is skin — and just like the rest of your body, it is vulnerable to sun damage,' says Michael Ryan, clinical trichologist, Dubai Hair Doctor. 'Many people forget this area because it's often covered with hair. But the part lines, thinning areas, receding hairlines, and even fully exposed scalps for bald individuals, can get sunburnt, leading to discomfort.' The hair affair While your hair acts like a barrier for most of it, your scalp is still susceptible to UV ray exposure and eventual damage. According to Ryan, it's a high risk for sunbuns due to direct sun exposure, especially at the crown and part line. 'Skin cancers often appear on the scalp because it's constantly exposed and often unprotected.' To top it off, just like heat, UV rays can degrade your hair proteins, particularly keratin. While hair itself is not living tissue, Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Self London, believes that it can also suffer from UV exposure, leading to dryness, brittleness, and colour fading. 'Applying sunscreen to the scalp is about offering it the same protection we afford the rest of our skin,' she says. 'Repeated UV exposure can lead to damage, pigmentation changes and, in some cases, precancerous lesions.' It doesn't end there. Neglecting to protect your scalp can eventually lead to several risks, including burns that may result in redness, peeling, tenderness, irritation, and flaking, which almost mimics dandruff. Repeated sun exposure may contribute to accelerated scalp skin ageing, and even follicular inflammation that can potentially impact hair growth over time. It also increases the risk of skin cancers such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in those with thinning or bald areas. Is it an absolute necessity? Yes and no! 'It's not about overcomplicating your routine,' says Dr Mahto. 'It's about smart, targeted protection.' For example, if you have thick hair with no visible scalp, the risk is lower, though still present on partings or the hairline. If you wear your hair in partings or hairstyles that expose the scalp or if you have thinning or fine hair, then sun protection becomes essential. This applies to those who are bald or closely shaved, too.
