New research indicates an alarming number of Brits are not aware of how to take adequate precautions to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun.
Data presented by Boots Soltan and the cancer charity Macmillan from YouGov, which saw 2,091 adults surveyred from June 25-26, revealed only 31 percent are applying sunscreen regularly and just under two-thirds of Brits aren’t aware that exposure to UVA rays can increase the chance of a mole becoming cancerous.
Clare O’Connor, Suncare Scientific Advisor at Boots, shared her top tips on how to minimize the dangerous consequences of too much sun exposure.
She said: “Wearing sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from sun exposure, even when it’s cloudy. I recommend a minimum of SPF30 for all skin tones, increasing to SPF50 for those with sensitive skin, anyone travelling to hotter climates and for children.
“As part of our commitment to encourage sun safety, Soltan no longer produces sunscreen lower than SPF50 for children and SPF15 for adults.”
What’s more, according to the data, more than 70 percent of adults are unsure of the correct amount of sun cream to apply to stay healthy.
Ms O’Connor recommends “around 2-3 tablespoons of product – about a shot glass full, or an ounce for spray formats.
“To make sure the head and neck are protected, use the ‘two-finger rule’ – simply squeeze the product directly onto the first two fingers of your hand and generously rub into the face.”
As well as applying the correct amount of sun cream, researchers found that too few people were re-applying it during the day.
She said: “Always remember to regularly reapply throughout the day. According to research conducted with Macmillan, 40 percent of those who wear or apply sunscreen admit to only ‘sometimes’ re-applying on a typical summer’s day in the UK. Depending on the sunscreen, we should all be reapplying every 2 hours and instantly after swimming.”
A mini heatwave has scorched much of Britain today, with temperatures reaching 30C in some places, so it’s essential Brits take appropriate action to avoid getting burned.