Most of us know to wear sunscreen in summer. But during chemotherapy, sun protection becomes genuinely important rather than just sensible — because treatment makes your skin significantly more sensitive to UV light, and sunburn can happen much faster and feel much worse than it normally would.
Here's what to do to stay protected.
Sunscreen: go higher than you think
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at minimum SPF 30 — though SPF 50 is a better choice during treatment. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, including your face, ears, neck, hands and the back of your arms. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you've been sweating or in water.
Look for a fragrance-free formula, as scented sunscreens can irritate chemotherapy-sensitive skin.
Cover up
Clothing is your first line of defence. Lightweight, loose-fitting layers in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen cover the skin without overheating you. Long sleeves and a collar help protect your arms and neck.
For your scalp, a hat with a proper brim is essential. Your scalp has no hair to protect it, which means it can burn very quickly. Our wide-brimmed summer chemo hats are made from soft cotton with breathable construction. Some have a loose weave that allows air to circulate, which is particularly helpful if you're feeling the heat. Some styles are also packable, which makes them easy to carry with you.
Avoid the midday sun
UV rays are strongest between roughly 11am and 3pm. If you can, plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon. If you do need to be outside during peak hours, seek shade wherever possible — but remember that shade alone doesn't eliminate UV exposure, particularly on bright days.
Don't forget your eyes
Sunglasses with UV protection are worth wearing during treatment, both to protect your eyes from the sun and to give some shade to the delicate skin around them. This matters more during chemo because your immune system is working hard and the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and sensitive.
A note on hot weather generally
Heat and chemotherapy can be a difficult combination. If you're struggling with temperature regulation, read our post on looking after your skin during chemo for more general advice, and take a look at our range of lightweight summer headwear if you need something that keeps the sun off without making you warmer.
