kids
Fact: 40% parents aren’t using suncream on their families on UK holidays
With volcanic ash and airline strikes still a concern, more families will be enjoying summer holidays on a UK beach this year. And while many parents will be longing for warm weather, how many will be thinking about their children’s skin? New research reveals a relaxed attitude to sun safety at home; with a startling 1 in 5 parents believing the UK sun is less damaging than the sun abroad.
Startling Research Statistics
Nivea Sun’s comprehensive research amongst 1500 UK parents reveals a lack of concern and awareness regarding sun safety, which may be putting their children’s skin at risk. Around 40% of parents do not use suncream on their families during the UK summer and half don’t take any fresh water, hats or sunglasses for their kids on UK beach holidays.
These figures are quite alarming. "We want families to enjoy the sun this summer and we want to encourage parents to protect their children when out in the sun to reduce the risk of long term skin damage" says brand manager, Richard Duplock. While the UK isn’t famous for its sunny, clear blue skies, there is still a risk of sunburn even on cloudy days, as up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate through light clouds.
Children’s Skin
Worryingly, 1 in 5 parents don’t realise their children’s skin is sensitive to sun, and over half of all parents surveyed are unaware that repeated sunburn can cause long lasting damage to their children’s skin. 77% of parents don’t think pink or sore skin necessarily means sun damage, and over 1/3 of parents are unaware about the damage caused by peeling, red skin or blisters. Half of all parents don’t reapply suncream each time their children come out of the water - when their children’s skin is most vulnerable and 71% of parents wish there were long-lasting water resistant suncreams available for kids. To help families enjoy the sun more safely this summer, Nivea has launched a new product, NIVEA SUN Swim & Play, so kids can have fun and stay protected in and out of the water for longer. The long lasting water resistant formula also contains dexpanthanol to help protect the skin from sea salt and chlorine.
Around 56% of families have experienced sunburn 1-3 times in the past 2 years. Part of the problem is that 1 in 3 parents believe suncreams provide complete 100% protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
"Children’s skin is sensitive to sun damage so parents need to choose a higher Sun Protective Factor (SPF) for kids than they do for themselves, and apply it very liberally," says Professor Antony Young from King’s College London. "Take into consideration their age and skin tone - children with fairer skin need higher protection and a baby’s skin is extremely sensitive to the sun." Despite this advice, 70% of parents don’t consider their kid’s age or skin tone when using suncream, with many using the same SPF for all the family.
Britain’s Best Beaches
In response to these findings, they have teamed up with the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) to launch the Family Beach Guide - an essential pack for parents and kids this summer holiday.
* Best Beach Guide - the top 15 family-friendly beaches in the UK who were awarded the Nivea Best Family Beach flag - as voted by parents
* Expert advice and information from the RLSS about how to stay safer in the sun, on the beach, and in the water - with sun care advice.
* Basic first aid advice for all the family
* Beach games - fun-filled activities for kids and all the family
All parents can ensure their families enjoy a fun filled, safer summer holiday by visiting www.nivea.co.uk/bestbeachguide to download the Family Beach Guide.
The research also revealed:
* 40% of parents don’t apply suncream on their children even if it is very sunny
* 58% of parents underestimate the quantity of suncream required for an effective application
* 1/3 of parents don’t realise that once opened, suncreams should be used within a certain period of time
* The majority of parents surveyed only apply suncream 2-3 times a day, even if their children are playing out in the sun all day
* When their kids get sunburnt, only 15% of parents worry that their children’s skin may be damaged
Tagged in Parenting