Skincare on the Costa del Sol: Expert tips for protecting your skin under 320 days of sun

Living on the Costa del Sol means basking in over 300 days of sunshine each year, but your skin needs special care under these conditions. Dr. Javier del Boz González, Vice-President of the Andalusian Section of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and dermatologist at HC Marbella International Hospital, shares expert advice on protecting your skin. From sunscreen tips to advice for golfers and water sports lovers, learn how to keep your skin healthy under the Andalusian sun.

The Costa del Sol, with over 300 days of sunshine each year, demands careful skincare, especially for northern European residents with fair skin. Both locals and visitors spend extended time outdoors, increasing sun exposure. Sunscreen use should vary based on the season, time of day, and skin type. Fair skin requires more protection, particularly when the UV index is high. Sunscreen application should be tailored to the individual, considering the time of year, the time of day, and one’s skin type. For instance, the care required during winter mornings differs greatly from the summer at noon. A person with fair skin needs more protection than someone with a darker skin tone. However, it’s advisable to use sunscreen—or better still, avoid direct sunlight—when the UV index is high. Websites such as the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and apps like UV-Derma allow you to check the UV index for specific times and locations. As a general rule, caution is advised when the UV index is 3 or above, and extra precautions should be taken when it exceeds 7. It’s also essential to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours, depending on sweat, water exposure, or physical contact with sand.

Most sunscreens on the market are chemical, as they tend to be more cosmetically appealing. However, mineral sunscreens, which physically block UV rays, are recommended for babies, people with chemical allergies, or sensitive skin, and these formulations are becoming increasingly pleasant to use. Our general recommendation as dermatologists is to use sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 50+ to ensure adequate protection. This is especially important considering that sunscreens are not usually applied correctly: we tend to use less than the recommended amount, and we are exposed to factors such as sweat, rubbing, and water, which will reduce the product’s effectiveness. After-sun lotions are designed to help the skin recover from sun exposure. If sunburn occurs, even mild redness, the use of after-sun products becomes even more important.

Physical sun protection measures are key. Seeking shade, wearing hats or caps, sunglasses, and clothing that covers as much skin as possible should be part of your routine. Combine these with sunscreen if the UV index suggests it, as mentioned earlier.

Cancerous skin lesions can often be detected early with proper monitoring. Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes. It’s important to check for signs like new spots, moles, or bumps that:

– Have changed in colour, size, or shape

– Look different from other spots

– Feel rough or itchy

– Bleed

– Have a shiny surface or appear as wounds that don’t heal

The ABCDE rule is helpful for moles:

– A: Asymmetry – is the mole asymmetrical?

– B: Borders – are the borders irregular?

– C: Colour – does it have multiple colours?

– D: Diameter – is it larger than 6mm?

– E: Evolution – has it changed over time?

Also, the “ugly duckling” sign indicates that if a mole stands out as different from the rest, it should be checked by a dermatologist.

While beneficial to health, Golf comes with significant sun exposure risks, especially in a region like the Costa del Sol, which has the highest concentration of golf courses in Europe. Both golfers and golf course workers need to adopt proper sun protection habits to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer. As the grass reflects a significant amount of solar radiation, they are exposed to radiation both directly and indirectly (through reflection). For those engaging in water sports, the reflective nature of water intensifies the impact of UV rays, making sun protection even more critical. Applying water-resistant sunscreen and taking breaks in the shade are recommended.

In addition to maintaining good daily skincare habits, it’s essential to schedule a full-body skin check at least once a year. Regular dermatologist visits help detect any early signs of skin damage or conditions like skin cancer. A professional check-up is the best way to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant, especially when living in sun-rich regions like the Costa del Sol. Prevention and early detection are key to long-term skin health.