New research has spotlighted the most common, lingering health-related SPF myths amongst the British public.
With the UK set to sizzle with highs of 29°C expected across the country, expert dermatologists are keen to set the record straight on sun protection.
The research, from suncare manufacturer La Roche-Posay, found that more than a third of 25–34-year-olds think you can’t get sunburned within the first 30 minutes of being outside.
Meanwhile, 22% believe sunscreen is only necessary during the summer and 21% agree that you cannot get sun damage / UV rays cannot reach you through a window.
Check out our recent feature on busting common SPF and sun care myths.
“Too many people avoid wearing sunscreen because they think it might be harmful to their skin, or they think it’s healthier to have a tan. There is no evidence of this and plenty of evidence that excess sun exposure is very harmful to the skin,” said consultant dermatologist Dr Hiva Fassihi.
“Although invisible, harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause skin cancer and ageing are present all year-round. Sun protection should be applied daily, even in winter, but especially when the sun is out.”
Other worrying SPF misunderstandings from the survey include:
- Wearing suncream means you won’t get burned (26% agree*)
- Suncream causes blemishes and breakouts (25% agree*)
- Suncream can be harmful to skin (22% agree*)
- Sunburn is unavoidable (23% agree*)
This research comes after a new campaign reignited the call to scrap VAT on SPF products.