Dermatologist issues sun damage warning ahead of 27C weather and high UV levels

Brits are being warned to wear that sun cream if heading outside next week

Sunshine and temperatures of up to 27C are set to sweep across the UK from next week, according to Met Office forecasts, making the weather up to 10C higher than the seasonal average.

Current forecasts suggest that parts of the UK, including Greater Manchester, could see temperatures of 25C next week (April 30), with other areas, such as London, reaching a whopping 27C.

The latest forecast has led to some speculation that a "mini-heatwave" could be on the horizon, but the Met Office said that it is "highly unlikely" to reach the heatwave threshold.

While the news of another week of sunshine is music to most people's ears, Brits are being warned to protect their skin as the latest Met Office charts suggest that UV levels look set to soar to "mid-August levels".

The Met Office said on X: "If you're enjoying the sunny spells this week, take note that the UV levels are as high as they are in mid-August."

According to the map, most of Britain is experiencing UV rays at level 4, while England's south-west and Northern Ireland has reached level 5. The most northerly part of the UK – Scotland's Highlands and the Shetland Islands – is even at level 3.

Dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari has warned of the importance of protecting your skin, as well as the impact that ageing can have on skin sensitivity, particularly when it comes to sun damage.

Dr Tewari, consultant dermatologist at The Lister Hospital in London, said: “As we age, and also in response to ultraviolet radiation, the amount of collagen and elastins decreases in our skin.

"Collagen and elastins form the support network of our skin, and UV rays cause an increase in activity in certain enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases, which break down the collagen and elastins in our skin.

“Also, in response to sunshine, we are more likely to get pigmentation and can get things like sun spots or melasma. And that is just a change in the way our pigmentation-producing cells are working sometimes, because you start to see more pigment in certain areas in response to sunshine.”

Additionally, Dr Tewari has warned that sun damage accumulates over time as we age. She explained that "fair-skinned" individuals are more likely to accrue sun damage because they have less of the natural pigment that acts as a protective layer.

She continued: “And over time, small scaly growths can crop up. If you spot these, you should consult a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of skin cancer.”

Dr Tewari has explained what the warning signs of sun damage are and what to look out for. She said that the main sign of sun damage is red sunburn, but also that changes in your moles can be a red flag.

She said: "If a mole gets a bit funny shaped or irregular and it’s not looking symmetrical anymore, or the colour has changed or if it has grown a lot, then definitely get it checked by a medical professional.”

Advising how to look after their skin, Dr Tewari said: “If you do get burned and feel like your skin has gone quite red in the sunshine, or is quite sore, then do not go out in the sun the next day.

"If you need to be outside for any reason, wear a proper T-shirt and proper SPF protection. Choose clothing where you get the maximum amount of protection.

“UV rays are actually stronger through water than they are outdoors, so when you are in water be extra careful, and try to apply waterproof sunscreen 20 minutes before you go into the water.”