SUN DAMAGE: Over a million Brits using creams over a decade old

Just over one in 10 UK adults agree they are prepared to risk skin cancer in the quest for a suntan. From applying out of date sun cream to wearing no sun protection at all, a new study by charitable hospital King Edward VII’s, reveals the nation’s sun safety habits.

As temperatures begin to rise in the UK, a new study suggests millions of adults are taking unnecessary risks when it comes to protecting their skin against sun damage.

Despite the risks associated with sun damage, there is still a cavalier attitude amongst many individuals when it comes to wearing sun protection. Nearly one in 10 Brits (9%) admit to only wearing sun cream when on holiday abroad and around 4 million completely shun sun protection in the UK, even during hot weather. One in 20 (5%) adults also wrongly believe they don’t need to wear sun protection at all.

Also of concern, 1.4 million adults are still using sun cream they purchased over 10 years ago. This is far longer than recommended 6-24 months that a cream will keep and be effective for.

Dr Catherine Borysiewicz, Dermatology Consultant at King Edward VII’s Hospital said: “Sun protection is vital, whether you’re in the UK or abroad, and irrespective of your skin colour.

Sun creams and sprays provide the necessary protection from skin damage to potentially longterm or even fatal conditions. It is also important to purchase new sun protection each year, as creams do expire and will become less effective.”

Consultants in King Edward VII’s Hospital’s dermatology clinic treat a comprehensive range of skin conditions affecting all areas of the body. Services include mole mapping, diagnosis and treatment for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne and treatment for skin cancers to offer early access to treatment for skin cancer, which can have a positive impact on the long term prognosis for patients. According to Cancer Research UK 100% of people with melanoma skin cancer will survive a year or more after treatment if the disease is caught at its earliest stage, compared with 53% of cases diagnosed in its latest stage.

Dr Borysiewicz’s top sun safety tips:

Use in-date SPF – SPF actually has a use-by date, which is typically around a year, but it varies by brand. Check the bottle to see how long your product should last, and if in doubt, throwing out last year’s sun creams and using an in-date SPF ensures it’s still providing maximum protection

Cover your whole body – when applying sun cream, people tend to apply to their face, arms and chest, but can often forget to protect other parts of their body like their eyelids, scalps, and feet, but these can still burn like any other part of the body. Use sun cream all over your body, and cover up with light clothing, hats and sunglasses to boost your protection when out and about

Don’t underestimate the British sun – we can have some pretty hot days in the UK, and using sun protection shouldn’t just be reserved for holidays and trips abroad. We should actually be using SPF every day to prevent sun damage, particularly on parts of the body that are always exposed like your neck and face, even in overcast weather

If you do get burnt – cool down your body with a cold compress. This will pull heat away from the site of the burn and help ease inflammation. A cool shower and/or a wet towel placed on the affected area can provide some immediate respite. Once cooled, you can add a moisturiser, such as Aloe Vera to the affected area to soothe the skin.

Mole Health Check for £595

If you’re worried about your skin or want reassurance on an existing mole, King Edward VII’s Hospital offers an all-inclusive a through mole mapping examination and follow up treatment plan for £595. For more information, contact: Mon- Fri 0203 930 1392 or visit kingedwardvii.co.uk