Marley has launched its annual ‘Safe in the Sun’ urging roofers to protect their skin whilst working outside this summer.
Over 400 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the UK, with 44 of those being deadly melanoma, and the rate of incidence is rising rapidly.
Check yourself
It is important to be aware of your skin, in particular, moles, and to note any changes. For example, has a mole enlarged or a new one appeared? Does it have an irregular outline or is mixed black and brown in colour?
Is the mole bigger than the blunt end of a pencil? Are the edges inflamed or red? Does it feel different – itchy or painful? If the answer is ‘yes’ to any of the above, visit your GP immediately to get it checked out.
Protect yourself
However, there are simple precautions you can take to minimise the risk of sun damage and help protect yourself.
- Cover up with suitable clothing and use sunscreen on all exposed parts of the body.
- Avoid sunburn – it’s painful and can increase the risk of developing melanoma – not just now but in the future too.
- Apply a sunscreen of at least Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 (for UVB protection) and a star rating of 4 or 5 (for UVA protection) evenly and regularly to all areas of exposed skin – including the face. Using a water-resistant formula will also help provide better protection as it is more able to cope with the effects of sweating.
- Ideally, sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going outside and then re-applied every two hours. Consistency – in terms of even coverage and regular application is essential.
Prizes
Daniel Redfern, marketing manager at Marley said: “The skin is the body’s first defence against aggressors, including the sun. Whilst the sun is undoubtedly beneficial to our wellbeing, too much sun can seriously damage our skin – both now and in the future.”
He added: “We want as many roofers and construction workers to stay Safe in the Sun this summer. That’s why we’re running a prize draw to help spread the message and to win £1000 worth of Amazon vouchers to spend on essential tools! All you have to do to enter the competition is visit the Marley website and register your details.”
