“KNOW YOUR SKIN”: ELLE L SPARKS A SUN SAFETY MOVEMENT WITH POWERFUL PANEL EVENT AT 34 MAYFAIR

On Tuesday, 6th May, music artist, writer and sun safety advocate Elle L brought together a powerful coalition of dermatologists, beauty leaders, and changemakers at 34 Mayfair for an unforgettable afternoon of conversation, education and action — all in the name of one vital mission: preventing skin cancer through awareness and sun safety.

The event — held just months after Elle L’s own diagnosis and treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer — was more than a personal milestone. It was a public declaration that prevention starts with knowledge, and that beauty must be redefined through the lens of care, protection, and empowerment.

A Silent Epidemic, Loudly Addressed

Nine out of ten skin cancers in the UK are caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds. Despite this, skin cancer diagnoses continue to rise — especially among younger people. In fact, melanoma is now the biggest cancer killer among 15–34-year-olds in the UK.

“I never imagined I would be facing this,” Elle shared. “But if telling my story can prevent even one person from going through the same, it’s worth it.”

She was joined by an esteemed panel of experts:

• Dr. Jonathan Dunne, Lead Skin Cancer Surgeon at Imperial College London and founder of Montrose London, where Elle received her treatment.

• Marie Tudor, CEO of SKCIN, the UK’s leading skin cancer awareness charity.

• Natalie Di Giorgio, UK Lead for skincare brand Laboratoire SVR, known for their dermatologically formulated and ocean-conscious SPFs.

• 
  

Together, they unpacked alarming statistics:

• 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women in the UK will develop a form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

• 11% still use sunbeds, despite the 59% increased lifetime melanoma risk for anyone exposed under the age of 35.

• 65% of people admit to staying in the sun for prolonged periods to tan, often with oil-based products.

• 
  

From Diagnosis to Advocacy

Elle’s journey from CNN journalist to internationally acclaimed music artist and now sun safety ambassador is marked by a deep sense of purpose. In 2025, she was named an ambassador for SKCIN, became a speaker for the British Beauty Council’s UV Safety Initiative at Parliament, and shared her story in a widely praised first-person essay for Harper’s Bazaar UK.“Protection is prevention. SPF is self-love. Check your skin, know your skin — and love it enough to protect it.”

Beauty and Medicine, Together

The event didn’t just focus on risks — it spotlighted the future of skincare innovation, too.Dr. Dunne discussed Sciton’s BBL Halo — a cutting-edge light and laser device shown to rejuvenate gene expression in photo-damaged skin, used both for prevention and scar treatment. SVR’s presentation of high-performance, sustainable SPFs reinforced the event’s core message: sun safety can be both effective and beautiful.

A Movement in Motion

With curated dishes from 34 Mayfair, champagne from Ruinart, and gifting from brands like Naked Sundays, Antidote by Elle L, and Magical Medicine, the event blended substance and soul — proving that advocacy can be both elegant and impactful.

Key guests included British Beauty Council, Dame Monique Hodgson (UN Women), BBC’s Pips Taylor, ITV’s Elle Osili-Wood, and DJ Lara Fraser. Collectively, attendees and partners shared over 30 content pieces, generating over 2 million in combined reach — with Elle’s own platforms amassing over 139,000 impressions and 80+ comments within days.

What’s Next

Elle L is continuing to raise awareness across media and music. With two podcast series and a debut EP slated for 2025, written alongside Paul Statham (Dido, Simple Minds), her creative journey is in full flight — but with an added layer of impact. She is also working with Montrose London to document her healing, and with OneWelbeck on an educational piece about mole mapping.

The Final Word

Sun safety isn’t seasonal — it’s lifelong.Elle L’s message is urgent, but hopeful: We can prevent the preventable. We can turn the tide on skin cancer — but only if we start now.