Six out of ten consumers do not understand the labelling on sunscreen products, potentially putting themselves at risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, according to new research. The study, published by health and beauty chain Superdrug, surveyed 2,000 UK adults and found widespread confusion about the meaning of SPF and UVA protection ratings.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn, but does not protect against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and are linked to skin cancer. UVA protection is shown by a separate star rating from zero to five. However, 75% of those polled said they do not look for both SPF and a high star rating when buying sunscreen, and 61% considered SPF the most important factor, unaware that it does not shield against UVA rays.
Nearly half (44%) admitted they do not know what SPF means, and one in ten mistakenly believed the SPF number indicates the minutes they can safely stay in the sun. In reality, SPF measures how long sunscreen protects skin from UVB damage; for example, SPF15 allows a person who would burn in 20 minutes to stay in the sun about five hours without burning.
Simon Comins, Superdrug commercial director, said: “The most misunderstood factor when buying suncare [products] is that people think that SPF equals everything, but while choosing the right SPF is important it only protects against UVB rays and not the long-lasting damage resulting from UVA rays.” Superdrug has repackaged its suncare range to make protection levels clearer, following calls from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society for simpler labelling.
Dr Pixie Mckenna, resident GP on TV show Embarrassing Bodies, emphasised the importance of early sun-safe habits: “We know that it’s the damage that is done to skin when you’re under 18 that affects your chances of developing skin cancer as an adult.” Rates of malignant melanoma have risen steadily in the UK since the mid-1970s, with over 100,000 new skin cancer cases diagnosed annually, partly due to increased awareness and detection, but also linked to more foreign holidays and sunbed use.
