It's hot, hot, hot outside - and with the mercury likely to rise even higher tomorrow, sunscreen is an essential part of staying safe in the sun. But figures from Cancer Research UK and Nivea Sun have suggested that people are not protecting themselves properly in the UK.
Prior to this heatwave, around 3.7 million UK adults (seven per cent) said they don’t do anything to protect their skin when the sun is strong in the UK and over a third say they generally don’t protect their skin in any way in their own outside space, such as exercising or DIY outside. But with temperatures soaring to record levels, it's worth refreshing your skin protection know-how.
According to Cancer Research UK, 86% of UK melanoma skin cancer cases are preventable. In the sometimes lacklustre British summer, it can be tempting to make the most of any warm spells (and good sunscreen practice may be a bit rusty) but it's important to protect yourself as the temperatures rise.
We've rounded the common sunscreen mistakes people make as well as misconceptions that can catch you out, according to consumer group Which?
1. Not using enough sunscreen and not reapplying frequently enough
A 2020 Cancer Research UK survey found that just 37% of people take their sunscreen with them to apply throughout the day, with most settling for one application before they leave the house. And even if you do use sunscreen, the chances are you're not using enough of the stuff. The WHO recommends around one teaspoon-sized dollop per limb/body part, so seven if you're doing the whole lot, and you need to reapply after swimming or other sporting activities, even on a cloudy day.
Once-a-day suncreams don't offer a magical solution either, with a Which? test in 2016 finding that the SPF provided fell by 74% after six to eight hours, and that salt water, chlorinated water and fast-running water made water-resistant sunscreens less effective. The British Skin Foundation has also warned warns that swimming, sweating, towelling down or clothes rubbing against your skin can remove sunscreen.
Claims on once-a-day or water-resistant products are often based on very specific test criteria (found in small print on the back of the bottle) and Which? has warned they may give users a false sense of security. So, even if you opt for one of these products, don't skimp on the reapplying, especially after vigorous activity - and read the caveats.
2. Using old or out-of-date sunscreen
Sun cream can be expensive, so the temptation is to get out last year's haul before buying new. But it usually only lasts for one to two years after opening before the active ingredients in the cream start to degrade. Leaving your sun cream lying around in the sun is also a bad idea, as it's best to keep out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dark and dry place. This may be easier said than done when you're out and about, but pop it in a cool bag or with your other belongings so it's not too exposed.
3. Waiting until you are in the sun before putting on sunscreen
Ideally, sunscreen should be applied 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and before insect repellent, moisturiser and make-up. The reason for this is that they work by being absorbed into the skin to absorb UV rays, and need to sink in for optimal protection.
4. Misunderstanding how SPF numbers work
The SPF (sun protection factor) is an indication of the amount of UVB rays that are filtered out by a product, with higher SPF products filtering out more than lower ones. The NHS recommends at least SPF 30 for everyone, regardless of skin type, and if your skin burns really easily, you're best sticking with a much higher SPF. Also remember that SPF numbers aren't linear - SPF 30 filters out around 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 around 98% and SPF 100 about 99%,so don't let an ultra-high SPF lull you into a false sense of security.
5. Missing common sunburn hotspots
When you apply the sunscreen, pay particular attention to the most exposed parts of your body, such as the ears, nose, forehead (including hairline) and back of the neck. As well as often being missed during application, and sun cream gets quickly rubbed away as they tend to be areas that have higher friction or are prone to sweating. Think about areas of delicate skin that don't often see the sun too, such as the tops of your feet and the back of your knees, and don't forget your scalp, especially if you have thin hair or are balding.
6. Be careful if you take medication
It's worth knowing that some common medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, says: 'Quite a few medicines can make you more photosensitive, including common drugs such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives and antidepressants - but not everyone who takes them will have a reaction.'
It's worth checking about any new meds, and if you notice an unusual reaction from sun exposure and have started a new medication recently, check with your pharmacist. Reduce your risk of side effects such as a rash or sunburn-like symptoms by staying out of direct sunlight, using a high-factor sunscreen and covering up with long sleeves, trousers and a hat.
7. Don't rely on SPF make-up
Even if your make-up claims to offer sun protection, you’d typically need to apply several times the normal amount of it to get even close to the level of protection stated on the packaging. You're less likely to reapply make-up regularly enough, which means that using make-up with SPF is not a substitute for using sunscreen. Professor Brian Diffey, emeritus professor of photobiology at Newcastle University, says: "Apply sunscreen first as it needs to bind to the outer layer of the skin to be effective. If you put make-up on first, the sunscreen might not bind properly and could compromise its ability to protect you."
As well as applying sunscreen properly, Cancer Research UK also advises seeking shade between the hours of 11am-3pm in the UK and covering up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
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