Sun Cream, Bacofoil and Baby Oil..

Memories of sunshine, tanning and growing up

I can confidently say this: I have absolutely no recollection of sun cream in my younger years, in the late 60’s and early 70’s that's quite remarkable when you consider I spent part of my childhood growing up in Africa before returning to Hull. Looking back now, with everything we know about sun damage and skin cancer, it seems almost unbelievable that sunscreen barely featured in our lives at all.

Then came the 80s, the decade of perms (yes, I made that mistake), leg warmers (absolutely!), and the belief that the darker your tan, the better your summer holiday. If you weren't going abroad, you simply baked yourself in the garden. Some lay on Bacofoil, armed with baby oil and iodine in pursuit of the perfect tan.

Personally, I never ventured into this trend. Besides, my mum would have had something to say if I'd spread Bacofoil across the garden! By then, I was aware of sun cream and lotions, I remember the smell more than anything else – that gorgeous coconut scent that instantly transports me back to holidays in Southern France, Hawaiian Tropic springs to mind. A lovely fragrance, but the SPF was probably not what it needed to be.

Back then, terms like UVA and UVB weren't part of everyday conversation, and skin cancer was something I knew nothing about.

Thankfully, we know much better now.

These days, SPF is as essential as packing your passport, sunglasses, hats, cover-ups, and the higher the factor the better.

The Serious Bit

A few years ago, I attended a skin cancer awareness course run by Melanoma-Me. They're a wonderful Northeast charity supporting people affected by skin cancer, offering emotional support, practical advice, and psychological support to anyone touched by the disease.

Melanoma is one of the fastest-rising cancers in the UK, particularly for those born in the 60's, 70's and 80's, that speaks volumes, doesn't it?

As a therapist, I naturally notice changes in people's skin. If you're a client of mine, I'll often see areas that you may not regularly check yourself, particularly on your feet. While I'm not qualified to diagnose any conditions, if I ever notice something unusual, I'll mention it gently and encourage you to get it checked. It's never about causing alarm – it's simply because I care.

You can find MelanomaMe CIC in Washington, Tyne & Wear. They're well worth contacting if you'd like more information and support.

My Holiday Sun Care Choice

My clients know, I use the gorgeous Tropic Skincare range within my therapy space and stock a selection of products for retail too.

For the warmer months this year I purchased some of their sun care range because I wanted products I could trust. Tropic's formulations are clinically tested and combine effective sun protection with vitamin-rich ingredients chosen for their skincare benefits.

The range is suitable for all skin tones, water-resistant, and designed to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Every ingredient has been carefully selected to provide effective protection while helping skin look and feel radiant.

And if you're new to the brand, Tropic offers a 30-Day Happiness Guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.

Because protecting your skin today is one of the kindest things you can do for your future self.

Link to my Tropic online shop