DIC x Barley Designs: Sun Safety, Men, and a Conversation We Need to Have

There are some conversations we don’t have often enough, until life forces them into focus.

For me, that moment came in 2021, when my husband was diagnosed with stage four melanoma. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that can spread throughout the body, and it completely changed my relationship with something that plays such a huge part in our lives, the sun.

Since then, one thing has been hard to ignore: what the statistics say about men.

Skin cancer rates in men are rising at twice the rate of women, and men are 69% more likely to die from the disease. Yet men are still less likely to wear sunscreen, cover up with protective clothing, check their skin, or visit their GP when something doesn’t feel right.

That gap feels both shocking and, sadly, familiar, because for years sun protection hasn’t really felt like something “made for men”.

Why this collaboration matters

When I came across DIC (Don't ignore cancer) Sunscreen, a brand created with men in mind, it immediately felt like something that should exist. I literally thought why hasn't this been done before? Their message is simple, direct, and with a touch of humour, which is exactly what sun safety for men needs to be.

This collaboration matters not just because of the product, but because of what it represents: a shift in how we talk about sun protection, and who we’re talking to.

The stat I can’t forget

The reality is that 9 out of 10 cases of melanoma are preventable if we follow simple sun safety advice.

That statistic stays with me because it means the smallest everyday habits can genuinely save lives: applying sunscreen, wearing a cap, staying covered, checking your skin. It doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be consistent.

A print collection designed to start conversations

As part of this collaboration, we've worked together to create a collection of five sun-inspired prints, designed not just to look good, but to act as gentle, everyday reminders.

They’re conversation starters. Because sometimes humour is the easiest way into something serious. A simple line on a wall can spark a question, a comment, a moment of reflection, and that’s often where change begins.

"DIC are pleased to support Barley Designs’ mission to raise awareness of Sun Safety. We’ve worked in collaboration with them on an exclusive print collection as part of Sun Awareness Week.”

I know my audience is predominantly women, but I also know that women are most likely to buy these products for their other halves. So whether it’s for yourself, your partner, your son, or someone you love, this sunscreen and print collection are there to bring awareness into everyday spaces.

And throughout this month of May, £2 from every order will be donated to my melanoma fundraiser, helping to raise both awareness and vital funds.

Explore the full print collection here:
👉 DIC x Barley Designs prints

Find out more about DIC Sunscreen here:
👉 DIC Sunscreen

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that small reminders can carry the most weight. And if this encourages even one person to take sun protection a little more seriously, then it’s worth it.

If this resonates with you, I’d really encourage you to share it with someone who might need to hear it. Because sun safety isn’t just a summer conversation, it’s something that matters to all of us, every day.

For transparency, I have no affiliation with DIC Sunscreen, just a huge passion for encouraging more men (well in-fact everyone) to protect themselves.

Thanks so much for reading, 

Katie x