Why Looking After Your Skin Matters More Than Ever in Guernsey

We all know how special Guernsey life is, especially in summer. Sea swims before work, cliff walks with friends, fish and chips at Cobo and family BBQs.

It's one of the things we love most about island life. But all that time outdoors means our skin gets more sun exposure than we perhaps realise, and it's something experts say we'll need to pay increasing attention to in the years ahead.

According to the most recent Health & Wellbeing Survey, Guernsey has some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the British Isles. And with UV exposure expected to become one of the island's biggest health challenges in the coming decades, looking after our skin has never been more important.

So let's take a closer look at why protecting our skin matters and some simple habits that can make a real difference.

 

 

Our Outdoor Lifestyle

It's easy to think of SPF as something we reach for on holiday, but experts say protecting our skin is becoming increasingly important here at home too. As UV exposure rises, simple habits could have a significant impact on our long-term health.

Whether it’s the reflection off the sea, our love of being outdoors, or the number of beach days we get, Guernsey’s active lifestyle also brings with it a hidden challenge. We walk to work. We garden. We spend time in the sea. 

And, let's be honest, we don't always remember to reapply sunscreen or, in some cases, apply it at all.

 

Why Sunburn Matters

The survey shows that 45.5% of islanders had one or more episodes of sunburn in the last year. And among 16-24 year-olds, that shoots up to 73.3%.

Sunburn is more than a short-term inconvenience. Over time, repeated sun damage can accelerate skin ageing and significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life, which is why experts place so much importance on prevention.

 

 

The Bigger Picture

Here’s what the survey also confirmed:

• Non-melanoma skin cancer (like basal and squamous cell carcinomas) is the most common cancer in Guernsey by rate, and it’s almost double the rate in England.

• Malignant melanoma (the more dangerous kind) is also higher here than in England, and similar to our sun-loving neighbours over in Jersey.

The Guernsey sun can be surprisingly strong, especially during the long, warm spells we've enjoyed in recent years. And even on cooler or cloudier days, UV rays can be stronger than we realise. As islanders who love being outdoors, it's a reminder that looking after our skin deserves a place alongside our other healthy habits.

 

Protect Your Skin

The good news is that most of us already do something to protect ourselves from the sun. And often, it's the small habits we build over time that make the biggest difference.

Here are a few simple ways to look after your skin:

• Avoid direct sun between 11am and 3pm

• Cover up with long sleeves or clothing with UV protection

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat (the bigger, the better - take up space in this world!)

• UV rays damage your eyes too, so wear sunglasses

If your go-to method is staying in the shade, be aware that reflected rays from water, sand, and even buildings can still reach your skin. 

 

 

Spot the Signs

One of the most surprising survey findings is that many of us, 17.7% to be precise, hadn’t heard of any of the signs of skin cancer. That’s almost one in five islanders. Knowing your skin and noticing changes early is important.

Here are a few signs worth getting checked:

• A new mole or spot that appears suddenly

• A mole that changes size, shape or colour

• A spot that bleeds, crusts, or doesn’t heal

If in doubt, get it checked by your GP.

 

Enjoy Island Life

This isn't about avoiding the sunshine or staying indoors. Quite the opposite. Spending time outside is one of the joys of living in Guernsey and it brings enormous benefits for our wellbeing.

It's simply about making sun protection part of our everyday self-care routine, just like eating well, exercising and looking after our mental health.

The answer isn't spending less time outdoors. It's enjoying everything Guernsey has to offer while building simple habits that protect our skin for the future.

So enjoy the beach days, the sea swims and the long summer evenings.

Just don't forget the SPF.

Your future self will thank you.