dr bryan

Summer Skin Health: Keeping Your Skin Safe and Glowing

At long last, spring and summer are here—bringing longer days, warmer weather, and a welcome lift to our spirits. Many of us will be looking forward to after work walks along the beach, afternoons at the park with children or our beloved pets, and chilled evenings spent with friends and a cool drink in hand.

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, however, the warmer months can be a double-edged sword -enjoying the sunshine and community pride events, but with worries about body confidence or skin exposure.

I hope that my thoughts this month help to reassure and empower you in looking after your skin and protecting it, but also raises your awareness of what changes to look for, then whom to turn to should you notice something different or unusual.

The Hidden Risks of Sun Exposure

While the sun on your skin might feel good, unprotected or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, be this from the sun or sunbeds, damages the DNA in skin cells like keratinocytes and melanocytes. Though invisible at first, this damage accumulates over time and increases the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

UV exposure also accelerates early skin ageing, triggering fine lines, sagging, uneven pigmentation, and a leathery skin texture - often leaving people feeling ‘older than their years’, regardless of gender or background.

Make Sun Protection a Daily Habit

In addition to avoiding sunbeds and always being sun-aware when outdoors, you should use daily sunscreen no matter where you live or the season. Many people only apply sunscreen on sunny summer days, but did you know that UV rays penetrate clouds and glass, so can damage your skin year-round?

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

During autumn and winter (September to March), a moisturiser or foundation with SPF may suffice as protection here in the UK. April to August, however, or when in hotter climates, try to use a dedicated SPF 30, or higher, broadspectrum sunscreen, in addition to your other serums and moisturiser. Sunscreen is best applied after everything else and before make-up, effectively protecting your skin ‘from the front’, because some cosmetic products might trigger easier sunburn. Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours if you’re outdoors, exercising, or on holiday.

Summer Skincare for LGBTQ+ Readers: Beyond Sunscreen

As we embrace the summer sun and prep for those holiday snaps and social posts, protecting our skin becomes more than just slathering on SPF. For all of us, adding or trialling targeted treatments may enhance both skin health and confidence. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E can help combat sun-induced ageing, while lightening agents like hydroquinone may address uneven pigmentation. Retinoids, often considered the ‘queen’ of anti-ageing, work to improve texture, tone and breakouts, but they require careful use given lots of potential side effects.

Choosing the right products for your unique skin type and concerns can be daunting. With countless brands and influencer-endorsed trends flooding the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A dermatologist or trained skin therapist can help craft a routine tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and skin type.

It’s also important to remember that not everyone needs complex routines. Teens, for example, should avoid adult- targeted actives that might irritate developing skin. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and more isn’t always better.

Skin Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate

Regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, or skin tone, skin cancer can affect anyone.

Early detection is vital. My advice is simple: “If in doubt, get it checked out.”

Dermatologists can complete a full skin check when you visit them, usually using a dermatoscope - a tool that magnifies skin lesions to help identify concerning features.

Summer is also a perfect time to support each other. With more skin on show, keep an eye on your friends and loved ones too. If you notice anything odd, gently suggest they arrange a checkup with a dermatologist or their GP - it could be life-saving!

Checking Your Skin with Confidence

Some LGBTQ+ people might feel uncomfortable or unsure about skin checks - possibly due to previous negative experiences in healthcare or because of struggles with their body image. At specialist skin clinics like my own in Belfast, we are committed to providing compassionate and inclusive care for all patients. But you can consider starting your skin checks at home.

Here’s how to perform a ‘self’ skin check that hopefully works for all:

Create a Comfortable Environment

One:

Choose a well-lit room with a full-length and handheld mirror. If you prefer, ask a trusted partner or friend to help—especially for hard-to-see areas.

Two:

Check Every Part of Your Body. Skin cancers can develop anywhere. Pay close attention to changing, painful, bleeding or non-healing skin lesions on:

• The scalp (use fingers or a comb to part your hair)

• Under breasts, around surgical scars, and in folds of skin

• Soles, palms, between fingers and toes

• Genital and anal areas - often overlooked, but just as important

Three:

Use the ABCDE Rule. When checking moles or pigmented marks, look for:

A – Asymmetry: One side doesn’t match the other

B – Border: Irregular edges

C – Colour: Uneven, multiple or new colours

D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm or growing lesions (although melanomas can be smaller)

E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms like

Also watch for “ugly duckling” moles—ones that don’t resemble your others.

Four:

Don’t Stay Silent

If something feels off, say something. Your concerns are very valid, so speak to your GP or a Dermatologist. Skin health is part of your overall health, and it’s for everyone, so don’t neglect it.

Final Thoughts

As we look forward to the bright, open-air months ahead, embrace your skin and look after it. Caring for your skin is an important part of caring for yourself, right?

Choose the right skincare products for you, be safe in the sun, perform regular skin checks and don’t be afraid to seek help when something isn’t right. Looking after your skin isn’t vanity. It’s health.

Dr Bryan Murphy

Consultant Dermatologist

Cathedral Dermatology Clinic, Belfast https://dermdocni.co.uk