Summer means we have greater exposure to the sun and a good sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin¹. Despite melanoma being the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK, most often caused by exposure to UV rays, 23% of Brits do not wear sunscreen during summer or when on holiday²,³. However, you can burn even when it is cloudy and having tan does not protect you from sunburn⁴.

by Estella Pütsep

References:

[1]https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/

[2]https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/

[3]https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2017/05/16/almost-quarter-brits-dont-use-sun-cream-summer

[4]https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/ 

[5]https://www.nhs.uk/news/cancer/new-nice-guidelines-on-sun-exposure-warn-tanning-is-unsafe/

[6]https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng34/resources/sunlight-exposure-risks-and-benefits-1837392363205

[7]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543289/

[8]https://www.bad.org.uk/skin-cancer/sunscreen-fact-sheet#what-is-spf

[9]https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/

[10]https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/news/sunscreen-mistakes-myths

[11]https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2674264

[12]https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/ways-to-enjoy-the-sun-safely-0

[13]https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng34/chapter/glossary#suitable-clothing