Millions of UK adults are worried about developing skin cancer but are still not protecting themselves from the sun, according to a new survey.
The poll, carried out by LOOKFANTASTIC among more than 5,000 UK adults, found that almost 62% of respondents said they worry about developing melanoma. Despite this, almost two-thirds, or 63%, admitted they do not use SPF every day, exposing a disconnect between awareness of the risks and daily sun protection habits.
The survey also pointed to a persistent myth that may be holding people back: the belief that wearing sun protection prevents tanning. More than half of respondents, 52%, said having a tan was important or extremely important to them. SPF did not rank among the top three most wanted features in a skincare product, suggesting sun protection is a lower priority for many than it should be.
Understanding of SPF itself was also limited. Only 35% of respondents knew what the SPF number on their sunscreen bottle actually means, and even among those who rated their own knowledge as excellent, just 42% could correctly explain it. 3 in 4 respondents said they are not addressing sun damage as part of their regular skincare routine.
Expert advice on applying SPF correctly
Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy shared guidance on how to apply sunscreen properly and stay safe in the sun this summer.
Her tips for applying SPF include
- Shake the bottle well before use, since formulas can separate and clump over time.
- Apply using a light tapping motion across the cheeks, forehead, ears, and neck rather than rubbing it in, for smoother, more even coverage and less irritation.
- Dot sunscreen evenly over each area, then massage in until it disappears.
- Do not forget easily missed spots such as the back of the hands, the feet, and the neck.
- Allow around 15 minutes for the sunscreen to sink in before going outside.
How to stay safe in the sun
Dr Lee also outlined broader advice for staying safe during hot weather
- Respect the sun: Around 15 minutes of sunlight a day is enough to make vitamin D, or up to 30 minutes for darker skin tones. Beyond that, there is no further health benefit, only a rising risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Stay out of direct sun between 11am and 3pm where possible and stick to the shade.
- Check the UV index, not just the clock: The 11am to 3pm rule is a useful general guide, but checking the UV index on a weather app is more accurate. NHS guidance advises protecting skin whenever the index is three or higher, which can occur outside that window too, particularly in late spring and early autumn when people let their guard down.
- Choose SPF wisely: Use a minimum SPF30 with a four to five star UVA rating, or SPF50 for fair skin or those who burn easily, and choose a water-resistant formula for swimming. Sunscreen is far safer than tanning oil, which concentrates UV rays. Just one bout of sunburn every two years is enough to triple the risk of melanoma compared with someone who has never been burnt.
- Keep cool: Seek shade, wear loose, light-coloured clothing that covers the arms and legs, add a wide-brimmed hat, and keep drinks cold. A cool shower, a damp cloth on the forehead, or a splash of cold water can help if things get too hot.
- Drink more water: Aim for at least 3 litres a day in hot weather and avoid sugary or fizzy drinks, which can worsen dehydration. Thirst, a dry mouth, sunken eyes, and headaches are all signs of not drinking enough.
- Protect the eyes: A wide-brimmed hat or cap can shield the eyes from around half of the sun’s rays. Pair it with sunglasses that carry a CE mark and a UV filter for proper protection.
Health experts continue to stress that consistent sun protection habits are essential for reducing long-term risks, including melanoma, as research continues to link UV exposure to skin damage.