Sun protection and prevention: why protecting your skin is a health choice

Sun exposure has several positive effects on the body, from supporting vitamin D synthesis to promoting psychological well-being. However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can also pose risks to skin health. UVA rays contribute to skin aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn; both can play a role in the development of skin cancers, including melanoma.

The damage caused by the sun can appear in both the short and long term. Immediate effects include redness, skin irritation, and sunburn. Over time, excessive and unprotected sun exposure can accelerate skin aging and increase the risk of developing melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer that affects melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. Additional risk factors may include a family history of melanoma, fair skin, or the presence of numerous moles. However, no one is completely exempt from risk. For this reason, people with darker skin tones should also adopt appropriate sun-protection measures.

Prevention also means monitoring your skin

Sun protection is only one aspect of prevention. Regular self-examination of the skin and routine dermatological check-ups play an equally important role. It is advisable to pay attention to any changes in the appearance of existing moles or the development of new skin lesions. An initial assessment can be guided by the ABCDE rule, which recommends evaluating moles or lesions for the following characteristics: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation or uneven coloration, Diameter increase, Evolution over time. The presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily indicate a disease, but it should prompt consultation with a dermatologist. Regular dermatological examinations, especially for individuals with risk factors, can help detect suspicious changes at an early stage. Early diagnosis remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against skin cancer. Knowing your skin, protecting it, and having it checked regularly are simple actions that can make a significant difference to long-term health. As HCC, we have extensive experience in the field of dermatology and, over the years, we have worked alongside companies and organisations to run awareness campaigns focused on skin health and prevention, including leading brands such as Vichy, Bioderma (now part of Naos) and Skinius. Among the most recent initiatives, the “La tua estate sulla pelle” (“Your Summer on Your Skin”) campaign, developed together with Pierre Fabre Pharma Italia of the Laboratoires Pierre Fabre Group and endorsed by MelanomaDay, promoted melanoma prevention through the distribution of informational materials along the Jesolo coastline, with the aim of encouraging more appropriate and informed sun exposure.