Skin expert says millions at risk due to common mistake when applying suncream
The UK is braced for a heatwave, with parts of the country expecting temperatures close to 30C next week. Brits are also in for a hot bank holiday weekend, and could even experience the hottest day of the year so far.
Many will be hoping to sunbathe in gardens, beaches and parks, and because of that a skin expert has issued a warning – as millions of Brits are misapplying their suncream.
Dr Catherine Hood, member of the Hada Labo Tokyo Skincare Panel, told The Mirror: "A reckless approach to sun care is putting huge numbers of Brits at risk of skin damage, and premature ageing."
It's important to apply suncream properly (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Research by Hada Labo has found that nine out of 10 women admit to having underestimated the strength of the sunshine in the UK.
As a result, a whopping four out of five have been sunburned, and more than a third (38%) have sustained multiple episodes of sunburn – which which dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer, warns Dr Hood.
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She added: "We not only underestimate the power of the sun when we're at home, we also underestimate what is needed to protect against sunburn."
One of the main mistakes people make is not applying it before they go out in the sun – or failing to reapply frequently.
Suncream should be applied regularly (stock image) (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)Dr Hood explained: "Common mistakes include not believing the sun is strong enough in the UK to cause a problem.
"Failing to apply sunscreen when exposing the skin to the sun or applying it after a period out in the sun rather than 30 minutes before or failing to apply it frequently enough (i.e., every two hours).
"Careful application of sunscreen is vital. Research shows that we miss 10% of our face when applying sunscreen."
Dr Hood recommends applying sunscreen on exposed skin every day when you are out in the sun – even when you're in the UK.
She added: "Don't assume you don’t need to do this in the UK. Apply it 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
"And make sure to apply sunscreen to every part of your skin that is exposed to the sun. Repeat application every two hours."
"Don't forget to keep wearing sunscreen on cloudy days, as UV radiation can still get through clouds to reach your skin," warned Dr Hood.
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