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The underestimated effects of the sun on the skin

Today, sun protection is a real public health issue: every year, a large number of skin cancers are detected worldwide as a result of excessive exposure to the sun's rays. In addition, sun exposure is recognized as a factor in premature skin aging and other dermatological pathologies. To gain a better understanding of people's sun habits, La Roche-Posay and Ipsos have just carried out a large-scale epidemiological study involving 17,000 people in 17 countries.

The study was previewed in Boston in the "late breaking news" session of the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) 2022 Annual Dermatology Meeting.

Bad habits and preconceived ideas die hard

Some 88 % of respondents do not systematically use protective measures when exposed to the sun, and 15 % never use sunscreen. Nearly half of respondents do not believe that sunscreens provide effective protection against skin cancer (50 %) and even sunburn (40 %).

This inadequate protection is largely due to preconceived ideas or a lack of knowledge about the sun's rays, according to which :

  • It would not be useful to protect oneself on cloudy days or during the winter. Thus, 77 % of respondents worldwide said they do not protect themselves from the sun all year round, but only on hot days and/or their vacations;
  • People who are already tanned would need less or no protection (according to 44 % of respondents);
  • It would not be essential to reapply sun protection. Only 26 % of respondents would apply it regularly, i.e. at least every two hours.

What's more, only 12 % of respondents in total, and 19 % of people with phototype 1 (very white, very sensitive skin, light hair and eyes), use all the protection they need when exposed to the sun. In addition to sunscreen, this includes: trying to stay in the shade (77 % of respondents), avoiding exposure between midday and 4pm (66 %), wearing sunglasses with UV filters (56 %), covering the head (55 %) or wearing protective clothing (44 %).

According to Pr Thierry Passeron, dermatologist in Nice, France: "This major international epidemiological study was essential to gain a better understanding of people's photoprotection habits. It demonstrates a real need for education, both in the general population and in so-called 'at-risk' populations, who, even if they protect themselves better, have limited knowledge of the risks of solar radiation. In particular, the La Roche-Posay study shows that 61% of respondents are unaware of the differences between UVA and UVB rays!

Insufficient sun protection reinforced by beauty standards and sun addiction

The return of sunny weather also signals the return of bad sun protection habits. These may have been encouraged by the numerous communications on the risks of vitamin D deficiency. In fact, 87 % of respondents claim that exposure to the sun enables them to synthesize vitamin D, and 82 % that sun exposure gives them energy.

Beauty standards are also to blame: 72 % of the world's population claim that tanned skin is attractive, 64 % that it gives the impression of good health, and 49 % that it's unthinkable to return from vacation without a tan.

A world population that often underestimates the importance of prevention

Although 88 % of respondents say they are aware that the sun can cause skin problems, and 81 % that it accelerates skin ageing, they are far from acting accordingly.

While self-monitoring of the skin enables early detection of any suspicious skin lesions, the general public often has limited knowledge in this area, and is often unaware of when to consult a dermatologist. What's more, 76 % of respondents said they don't regularly - if ever - consult a dermatologist to monitor their moles.

Lastly, 57 % of those questioned said they regretted not having protected themselves more from the sun in the past, but there are wide disparities:

  • Between men and women (49 % and 65 % respectively);
  • Between new and older generations (62 % of 18-24 year-olds, 65 % of 25-34 year-olds versus 47 % for over-60s);
  • Between at-risk profiles (with melanoma, pre-cancerous lesions, sun allergy or weakened immune system) and the rest of the population (79 % versus 54 %).

A growing public health issue

At a time when many scientists are warning of an increase in the number of cancers by 2050, bad habits persist. La Roche Posay believes that the world's population needs to be made aware of prevention tools, protection methods and the importance of early detection.

"As the No. 1 dermocosmetics brand recommended by dermatologists worldwide, it is our duty to raise public awareness of skin cancer prevention and, more broadly, of the harmful effects of the sun. For over 10 years, we have been conducting studies with scientists from all over the world, contributing to the training of professionals, and offering free screenings in over 30 countries worldwide. This global study proves that our awareness-raising work is far from over, and we will be pursuing our efforts to ensure that sun protection is recognized as a major public health issue".commented Laetitia Toupet, President of La Roche-Posay International.

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