The days of using baby oil to tan are thankfully over, but according to a consultant dermatologist, many people still fail to apply enough high-factor sunscreen, both abroad and in the UK. During a recent holiday in Cornwall, the doctor observed numerous individuals with moderate to severe sunburn by late afternoon, highlighting a persistent lack of protection.
Sun Protection Essential Even in the UK
Sun protection is necessary even at home, particularly for those who do not burn easily or have darker skin. The World Health Organisation classifies excessive UV radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside asbestos and tobacco. In the UK, seven people die from malignant melanoma daily, and cases are rising, according to Cancer Research UK. Yet skin cancer is largely preventable.
Sunburn and Skin Cancer Risk
Sunburn is a clear sign of sun damage and increases skin cancer risk. Each blistering sunburn before age 15 raises melanoma risk by 3.2%, as per a 2023 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Chronic sun exposure also contributes to damage, regardless of tanning. A tan indicates skin damage, not protection.
Contrary to social media trends, you cannot train your skin to resist sun damage through gradual tanning. Sunbeds are harmful, with UVA levels up to ten times the sun's; using them before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%, according to a 2023 report in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
Sunscreen for Anti-Aging and Health
Around 80% of visible aging is due to external factors like UV light and pollution. The dermatologist, now 54, has worn sunscreen daily since age 23 and attributes her youthful appearance to this habit. Prevention is more effective and cheaper than treating sun damage with creams, peels, or lasers.
Young women in their 20s and 30s often seek Botox, but the doctor recommends SPF50 as a superior preventive measure. UV exposure also triggers rosacea in over 80% of sufferers, making sunscreen crucial for them year-round.
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly
To achieve the labeled SPF, apply 2mg of cream per square centimeter of skin. Most people apply less than half this amount. General guidelines include using at least six teaspoons for the body and packing a 200ml bottle per person for a week's holiday. Choose broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, with at least a four-star UVA rating. In the UK, use SPF50 on exposed skin when the UV index is above three, typically from April to September. For darker skin tones, adjust to allow some sun exposure for vitamin D, but still use sunscreen for extended periods.
Moisturizers with SPF are insufficient; use a dedicated sunscreen, especially in summer. The most dangerous sun exposure pattern is sudden high UV after months of coverage, as seen on holidays, which is linked to melanoma. Sunscreen should be applied before going out for even coverage, and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Specific Body Areas Requiring Attention
Face: Apply a 5p blob to nose, ears, and hairline. The nose is a common skin cancer site due to direct sunlight. Use a two-pronged approach: chemical sunscreen plus zinc oxide paste for water sports. Ears, especially in older men, are prone to cancers. The hairline and parting need protection; a hat is an alternative. For the rest of the face, use two 10p blobs per side, avoiding eye irritation with mineral sunscreens. Forehead and back of neck each need a 10p blob; use zinc oxide to prevent eye irritation from sweat.
Body: Shoulders require two 10p blobs; they are often missed and vulnerable. Chest needs one 50p blob; sun damage here shows as spots, thread veins, and crepey skin. Stomach: one 10p blob; cover up initially. Scalp: one 50p blob or wear a hat. Back: two 50p blobs; men commonly get melanoma here. Arms and legs: two 10p blobs per limb; legs are the most common melanoma site in women.
Dr Justine Hextall is a consultant dermatologist at Tarrant Street Clinic in Arundel, West Sussex. Additional reporting by Jennie Agg.
