This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you notice any changes to your skin, please book an appointment with a qualified dermatologist.
Sun protection and skin cancer prevention: a summer guide
Summer in Gibraltar means long days on the Rock, afternoons at Catalan Bay, and plenty of time outdoors — but it also means significantly higher UV exposure. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and it is also one of the most preventable. With a few consistent habits and regular skin checks, you can enjoy the sun safely and catch any warning signs early, when treatment is most effective.
Why sun protection matters more than you think?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damages skin cells at a level you can’t always see or feel. Unlike a sunburn, which is immediately obvious, the cumulative damage that leads to skin cancer builds up silently over years of unprotected exposure. Mediterranean climates like Gibraltar’s — with high UV indexes for much of the year — make daily sun protection a genuine health priority, not just a cosmetic one.
The three main types of skin cancer are:
- Basal cell carcinoma – the most common and slowest-growing form, usually appearing on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – more likely to grow and spread if left untreated, often linked to long-term cumulative sun exposure.
- Melanoma – the least common but most serious type, capable of spreading quickly if not caught early.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but risk increases with:
- Fair skin, light eyes, or red/blonde hair.
- A history of sunburns, especially in childhood.
- Frequent sun exposure or outdoor work.
- Use of sunbeds.
- A family history of skin cancer.
- A high number of moles or atypical moles.
- A weakened immune system.
If several of these apply to you, more frequent professional skin checks are especially worthwhile.
Practical sun protection tips for summer:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its peak.
- Wear protective clothing — a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves when possible.
- Don't forget commonly missed spots: ears, back of the neck, scalp part-line, tops of the feet, and lips (use an SPF lip balm).
- Avoid sunbeds entirely — they significantly increase melanoma risk.
- Protect children early. Sunburns in childhood are one of the strongest predictors of skin cancer risk later in life.
- Stay hydrated and rebuild your skin barrier with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser after sun exposure.
How to check your own skin: the ABCDE rule
Make a habit of examining your skin once a month, ideally with a mirror for hard-to-see areas. When checking moles or new spots, use the ABCDE rule:
- A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.
- C – Colour: uneven shading, or multiple colours in one spot.
- D – Diameter: larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E – Evolving: any change in size, shape, colour, or symptoms (itching, bleeding) over time.
A mole or spot that meets any of these criteria — or simply looks “different” from the others on your body — deserves a professional opinion.
When to see a dermatologist?
Book a skin check if you notice:
- A new mole or growth that looks unusual.
- An existing mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour.
- A sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks.
- A spot that itches, bleeds, or becomes tender without an obvious cause.
Even without a specific concern, an annual professional skin check is a sensible precaution, especially if you fall into one of the higher-risk categories above. Early-stage skin cancers are highly treatable, which makes routine screening one of the most effective preventive steps you can take.
Enjoy the sun, protect your skin
Gibraltar’s summer is one of its biggest attractions — there’s no need to avoid it, just to be sun-smart about it. Small daily habits, from applying sunscreen to doing a monthly self-check, make a real difference over time.
At Midtown Clinic, our dermatology team can carry out thorough skin examinations, assess any moles or marks you’re concerned about, and advise on the right sun protection routine for your skin type. Specialists such as Dr Álvaro Barranquero see patients for exactly this kind of skin check. If it’s been a while since your last skin check — or you’ve noticed something that doesn’t look quite right — now is a good time to book an appointment.
Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology — guidance on sunscreen use, UV exposure and skin cancer types.
Skin Cancer Foundation — risk factors and early detection guidance (ABCDE rule).
World Health Organization — UV radiation and public health guidance.
Frequently asked questions about sun protection and skin cancer prevention
How often should I get a professional skin check?
Most people benefit from an annual skin check. If you have several risk factors — fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, or a high number of moles — your dermatologist may recommend checks every six months instead.
Does sunscreen expire?
Yes. Most sunscreens remain effective for up to three years unopened, but heat and sun exposure can degrade them faster. Check the expiry date (or the "period after opening" symbol) each summer, and replace any bottle that has changed in colour, texture, or smell.
Can I get skin cancer on parts of my body that aren't usually in the sun?
Yes, though it's less common. Melanoma in particular can occasionally develop on areas with little sun exposure. This is one of the reasons a full-body professional skin check is more thorough than a self-exam alone.
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days or in winter?
Yes. Up to 80% of UV rays pass through cloud cover, and UV radiation is present year-round, even in cooler months. Daily SPF should be part of your routine regardless of season or weather, not just something you reach for at the beach.
Does a family history of skin cancer mean I'll definitely develop it?
No, but it does raise your risk. Having a parent or sibling with skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a reason to be more vigilant with sun protection and to consider more frequent professional checks — not a guarantee that you'll be affected.
Is SPF 50 much better than SPF 30?
Not as much as people assume. SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98% — a small difference. What matters more is applying enough product and reapplying every two hours; a higher SPF applied too thinly offers less protection than a lower SPF applied correctly.
How can I schedule an appointment with the dermatology team at Midtown Clinic?
You can book an appointment:
- By calling reception: +350 200 62222
- By sending us an email: [email protected]
- By visiting us at: Retail Unit No. 1.00, Ground Level Providence, MidTown, Queensway, Gibraltar (Hours: Mon to Fri: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM)