When was the last time you were sunburnt?
Despite nine in ten Brits knowing that too much exposure to UV radiation can increase their risk of skin cancer, new figures show that more than a third of Brits have been sunburnt on home turf in the past year.
This figure rises among younger adults with almost half of 25-34 year olds having been sunburnt in the UK in the last year and around a quarter less than a month ago– at a time when UK temperatures beat those in the Mediterranean, according to the figures from from Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN.
The YouGov research also found that half of all Brits who have ever been sunburnt have at some point been sunburnt in the UK while at the beach. However, the survey revealed that you don’t need to be sunbathing to get sunburnt in the UK; 36% of respondents have been sunburnt while gardening, 24% at a restaurant, pub or cafe, 20% at a BBQ and 15% picnicking in the park.
The research, which asked more than 5,200 people about their behaviour in the sun, was commissioned by Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN as part of their campaign to encourage people to protect their skin by spending time in the shade, covering up and using at least SPF 15 sunscreen.
The findings show that although some Brits are taking this advice on board many are still risking getting sunburn. Only 34% of Brits 
who go out in strong sun in the UK always spend time in the shade, and only 25% always reapply sunscreen of at least factor 15 regularly throughout the day, or cover up. Of those who say they cover up, a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses were the most commonly used items.
Sarah Williams, Cancer Research UK senior health information officer, said: “Now summer is here, we know it’s tempting to go out and spend lots of time in the sun. But, as our research shows, it’s easy to get sunburnt in the UK even if you’re not deliberately sunbathing - so remember to look after your skin and enjoy the sun safely. We all need some sun to make vitamin D for healthy bones, but overexposure to the sun’s rays can cause sunburn, which is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged. Not only can this cause premature ageing and wrinkles, but it also increases the risk of skin cancer.
“That’s why we’ve teamed up with NIVEA SUN to encourage people to enjoy the sun safely this summer. Whether you’re home or abroad, when the sun is strong, spend time in the shade, pop on a t-shirt and hat, and use at least SPF 15 sunscreen to protect yourself and your family.”
Cancer Research UK and NIVEA SUN are working together again this year to encourage people to enjoy the sun safely with three top tips:
- Spend time in the shade if your shadow is shorter than you. If your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sun is strong. During the UK summer, the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm
- Wear a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses when the sun is strong. Wide brimmed hats or foreign legion style caps are best
- Cancer Research UK recommends you use at least factor 15 sunscreen with a high star rating when the sun is strong. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply regularly to make sure you get the level of protection on the bottle.
Denise Van Outen is supporting NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK’s sun safety partnership.
Denise says: “I’m really happy to be supporting the NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK partnership. We all get very excited when the sun comes out, especially when we are so used to years of rainy British summers! However staying safe in the sun is very important and is something that I am personally very passionate about. Looking after my skin has always been incredibly important to me. I always try and cover up with a t-shirt and hat and spend time in the shade when it is sunny, especially as I am an active and sporty person and am often outside. I also always make sure that I keep a bottle of sunscreen in my handbag at all times.
"There are some really gorgeous outfits and stunning hats out there that not only keep you protected from the sun but also keep you cool too. I personally love all the glam wide brimmed hats that are in fashion at the moment. With all the fab fashion choices out there, there is absolutely no excuse to get caught out!
"Becoming a mum has also made me even more aware of sun protection. It’s really important to me that my daughter Betsy stays safe in the sun and we always follow NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK’s top tips. We put on our sunscreen together, make sure we stay in the shade when the sun’s strong and we always cover up with clothes – I want her to learn to protect her delicate skin. I want to set a good example to my daughter, so I always wear sunscreen on days when the sun is strong and I make sure that she watches me put it on. I’ve also started teaching her how to put it on herself. As well as teaching her how to get dressed, I also squirt sunscreen into her hand and ask her to rub it in herself so that she then thinks that she’s being all grown up because she’s copying Mummy.
"If like me you make sure that you follow NIVEA SUN and Cancer Research UK’s helpful advice, you can enjoy the sun but also keep safe at the same time.”
Tagged in Health Sun Protection