Millions of Britons could be at risk of skin cancer

  • A survey of 2,000 adults found 60% are unaware of what to look for in sun cream
  • Three quarters aren’t looking at the ratings for both types of rays before they buy
  • Most tend to look at just SPF – but this only protects them from sunburn rays
  • Instead they should also look at the star rating on the back, which shows its protection for more dangerous rays

By

Stephen Matthews For Mailonline


Published:
10:35 EDT, 29 May 2017

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Updated:
13:41 EDT, 29 May 2017

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Millions of Britons are potentially at risk of skin cancer due to being unaware of what to look for on sun cream bottles.

More than half are unaware of the two important factors that should decide which bottle of protective lotion they buy, a survey suggests.

While three quarters aren’t looking at both of the ratings before they purchase their sun cream, the study of 2,000 adults shows.

Most tend to choose their lotion based solely on its SPF. But this only protects them from one type of UV ray that causes sunburn.

Experts stress it is important to care about the star rating on the back of bottles just as much, as this shows its capability in dealing with more dangerous rays.

More than half of Britons are unaware of the two important factors that should decide which bottle of protective lotion they purchase, a small survey suggests

More than half of Britons are unaware of the two important factors that should decide which bottle of protective lotion they purchase, a small survey suggests

More than half of Britons are unaware of the two important factors that should decide which bottle of protective lotion they purchase, a small survey suggests

Available on a scale of two to 50+, SPF measurement only shows its strength against curbing the damage of UVB – the main cause of sunburn.

Choosing the correct SPF level depends on the person and their melanin levels, as some need more protection than others.

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The rule of thumb is generally the lighter the skin, the greater the SPF level needed, and the darker the skin calls for a lesser level. 

But sun cream is designed to protect humans from both forms of UV rays, A and B, that the sun emits, The Guardian reports.

Protecting against the former, UVA, is instead displayed on the back of the bottle through a star rating of between one and five.

These rays are believed to contribute directly to cases of skin cancer, as they penetrate the skin much deeper. 

Simon Comins, commercial director of Superdrug, said: ‘The most misunderstood factor when buying suncare [products] is that people think that SPF equals everything, but while choosing the right SPF is important it only protects against UVB rays and not the long-lasting damage resulting from UVA rays.’

Skin cancer cases are known to have soared seven-fold in the past 40 years, with experts blaming it on the surge in popularity of package holidays. 

In excess of 100,000 new cases are diagnosed every year across the UK, killing more than 2,500 people.

UV exposure is known to be the main preventable cause of skin cancer, the British Skin Foundation states on its website. 

Experts advise not to forsake sun cream, even when under the cover of a sun umbrella.

Although a parasol stops direct beams, it is no match for diffuse radiation – rays that have been scattered in all directions on their way to Earth. 

The survey was commissioned by Superdrug, which has redesigned their range of sun lotions to make both factors clearer. 

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