Sun Protection Matters

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect reminder to prioritise protecting your skin every single day, not just during holidays or heatwaves. At Woodford Medical, we are passionate about educating our patients on prevention, early detection and maintaining healthy skin for life.

The facts about skin cancer in the UK

Skin cancer remains one of the most common and preventable cancers in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK:

  • Around 18,300 new melanoma skin cancer cases are diagnosed in the UK each year.
  • Melanoma is now the 5th most common cancer in the UK.
  • Melanoma incidence rates have increased by more than 150% since the early 1990s.
  • Approximately 86% of melanoma cases are preventable and linked to overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds.
  • More than 9 in 10 people diagnosed early survive melanoma for 10 years or more.
Dr Louise London Marathon

Supporting the cause

This year, we are especially proud of Dr Louise Patterson from Woodford Medical, who recently completed the London Marathon in an incredible time of 4 hours and 15 minutes while raising money for Melanoma UK.

Her achievement reflects our clinic’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness around melanoma prevention, education and support for those affected by skin cancer.

Well done Dr Louise!

Why daily SPF matters

One of the most effective ways to protect your skin is through consistent, daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen. UV damage occurs all year round, even on cloudy days and during winter months. making SPF an essential part of your everyday skincare routine.

At Woodford Medical, we recommend advanced sun protection products from trusted medical-grade skincare brands including NEOVA SmartSkincare and Marini SkinSolutions.

Neova Silc Sheer 2.0

Sun Protection products

Neova - Silc Sheer 2.0

A lightweight, elegant broad-spectrum sunscreen that helps defend against both UVA and UVB damage while also protecting against environmental oxidative stress. Ideal for daily wear and suitable under makeup.

Marini Physical Protectant

Marini SkinSolutions - Physical Protectant

A lightweight physical sunscreen offering broad-spectrum protection using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, ideal for sensitive and post-procedure skin.

Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant 
Combining hydration, antioxidants, and broad-spectrum SPF protection, this daily sunscreen helps defend against premature ageing caused by UV exposure.

Additional ways to protect your skin

Alongside daily SPF, we recommend:

  • Wearing wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses
  • Seeking shade during peak sun hours (11am–3pm)
  • Avoiding sunbeds completely
  • Checking your skin regularly for any changing moles or lesions
  • Booking professional skin assessments if you notice changes in shape, size, colour or texture

Healthy skin is protected skin. Small daily habits, particularly wearing SPF consistently, can significantly reduce your risk of premature ageing and skin cancer.

This skin cancer awareness month, we encourage everyone to make sun protection a non-negotiable part of their routine. Your future skin will thank you for it.

For personalised skincare advice or to learn more about the medical-grade SPF products available at Woodford Medical, contact our team today.

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