When the sun makes an appearance we’re all eager to soak it up, in fact nearly half the nation admit to having sunbathed on their lunch breaks at work revealing us as a nation of ‘lunch break bakers’, but are we protecting our skin.
Health on Female First
New research from L’Oréal UK & Ireland reveals that over half of sunbathers hardly ever or never applying sun cream when they do so. With the sun hitting peak strength at lunch time, experts remind of need for protection.
As we approach the Great British summer and rumours of record levels of sunshine, it appears many of us simply can’t pass up a sunny day – with 47% admitting that they’ve been caught out by a sunny day and proceeded to sunbathe, even without any sun protection. When it comes to slapping on the sun protection, men are less concerned than women, with 61% of men claiming to hardly ever or never apply sun cream when they sunbathe at lunch, versus 54% of women.
Professor Mark Birch-Machin of Newcastle University commented:
“As a dermatology scientist researching the harmful effects of sunlight on skin, I’ve long felt ‘lunch break baking’ needs addressing in order for people to enjoy the sun safely. It’s a balance between the benefits of sunlight and the risks of excess exposure, both of which have been well documented. This balance becomes more challenging when people are going out in the sun unprotected at the peak of the day when the sun is at its strongest.
“So if you’re planning on taking your lunch break outdoors at the peak of the day this summer, my advice is to find some shade and keep a broad spectrum sun cream and a wide brimmed hat in your desk, so that you go out in the fresh air and the enjoy the sun safely.”
Beyond our lunch breaks, 1 in 10 of us claim to never wear sun cream when we sunbathe, and 14% of respondents said they only wear sun protection when they go abroad.
The research also revealed that when it comes to personal sun care, there are clear misunderstandings amongst Britons. Nearly three in ten don’t realise the sun can damage their skin on a cloudy day, one in ten think that the sun can only damage their skin when they can see it and it’s not hidden behind clouds, and more than one in ten think the sun can only damage their skin when it’s hot.
Katriona Methven, Scientific Director, L'Oréal UK & Ireland commented:
“It’s only natural we want to embrace the sunshine at every opportunity, which is why sun care should be a part of a well-rounded approach to sun protection, and a part of our daily skincare regimes – you never know when a sunny day will strike so it’s best to be prepared.
“While many of us will be flocking to nearby parks to catch some rays it’s important to remember they don’t just come out at lunchtime or only in summer .This study shows many people aren’t aware that UVA (ultraviolet long-wave radiation) is consistent all year long – and it’s this form of radiation that ages the skin, causing wrinkles, age spots and pigmentation. There are so many sun protection options on the market today, from products for sensitive skin types to combinations with our daily moisturisers or make-up. This makes it so much easier for consumers to make it a part of their daily skin care routine, so that they can enjoy those rays of sun and protect their skin from premature ageing.”
Top tips for staying safe in the sun:
If you plan to be in the sun at peak hours such as lunchtime, seek out shade, or wear a wide-brimmed hat
Keep a broad spectrum sun protection (which protects against UVA and UVB rays) in your desk drawer and apply 15 minutes before leaving the office
Use approximately 2 table spoons’ worth of sun cream to cover the body, and apply every two hours
Wear loose fitting and UV protective clothing to cover up
Drink plenty of water, and choose a lunch that’s rich in water content
Tagged in Health Sun Protection