Sun cream still a burning issue for brits

• More than a third of Brits have been sunburnt in the last 12 months
• Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of Brits don’t wear sun cream when out in the sun
• Over half of Brits don’t know there is a difference between SPF and UVA sun cream protection
   

As Britain’s sun seekers prepare to make the most of another unusually warm weekend, new research from Direct Line Travel Insurance1reveals more than a third (34 per cent) of people have suffered from sunburn in the last 12 months and of those people, 67 per cent were in the UK at the time.

Research also found a blistering 23 per cent of Brits don’t wear sun cream at all, whether that’s home or aboard, despite guidance which suggests3 being sun burnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer.

When it comes to buying sunscreen, Brit’s often don’t know what to look for.  One of the biggest issues is that over half (55 per cent) of Brits don’t know there is a difference between SPF and UVA sunscreen protection. SPF only measures the ability of a sun cream to filter UVB rays, whereas the star rating indicates how it filters UVA rays. So whilst enjoying the sunshine this weekend, the NHS advises2 people to wear suitable clothing, spend time in the shade, and apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 and a UVA star rating of at least four. 

Despite sun cream losing its protective qualities over time, millions of Brits still use last year’s lotions, with 42 per cent of sunscreen users applying lotion no matter how old it is and only buying replacements when they have used the full bottle. 

Even though it may seem simple, when Brits do wear sunscreen they don’t always apply it correctly.  One in ten (12 per cent) only apply sunscreen once a day, others (18 per cent) only reapply when they remember and five per cent of people wait until they feel like are burning before squeezing out the sun cream.

While countries such as Australia have invested huge sums in educating the public about the dangers of sun exposure, many Britons still don’t realise the risks. Looking like a lobster doesn’t deter Brits, with one in twenty (six per cent) seeking to get more rays despite already being sun burnt. Brits will also go out of their way to try and maximise their tan, with people admitting to using cooking oil and mirrors in an attempt to tan faster. Dehydration and sunstroke are also an increased risk for the one in ten (nine per cent) Brits who continue to down lagers and cocktails despite being sun burnt. 

Tom Bishop, head of travel insurance at Direct Line, commented: “As temperatures rise in the UK and with summer holidays on the horizon it can be easy for Brits to forget the dangers of the sun. We are much used to rain after all. But whether people are enjoying a summer scorcher in the UK or laying on a beach in Spain, it’s important not to spend all day in the sun and to wear adequate sun cream so they don’t end up sun burnt at the end of day.

“People who are sun burnt should stay out of the sun, avoid alcohol, ensure they are hydrated and use after sun lotions to heal their skin. Those suffering from severe sun burn, or sun stroke should seek medical attention. Holidaymakers heading for warmer climates this summer should ensure they take out comprehensive travel insurance in advance of their trip so if they require assistance this summer at least the cost of treatment won’t sting.”
 

ENDS
 

Notes to Editor

1. Research conducted by Opinium amongst 2,001 UK adults between 27th and 29th June 2017.
2. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sunburn/Pages/Introduction.aspx
3. http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer
    

For further information, please contact:

Claire Jarrett 
Media Relations Executive
Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 832 411
Email: claire.jarrett@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting