Millions of Brits putting themselves in ‘grave danger’ by ignoring key health advice

MILLIONS of Brits are not protecting themselves properly with sunscreen, doctors have warned.

One in 10 said they rarely use SPF while one in 20 say they never do so despite advice to apply it every day, according to a survey.

Adults had sunburn 15 times across their lives on average, the poll of more than 2,000 Brits by LifeJacket Skin Protection and Melanoma UK found. 

The shocking numbers are putting people in “grave danger”, increasing their risks of deadly skin cancer, experts said.

Professor Christian Aldridge, consultant dermatologist for LifeJacket Skin Protection, said: “This new data correlates with what I’m seeing every day in my surgery. 

“More and more patients are coming to me after years of little or no protection for their skin in the sun which, at best, is causing skin damage and premature ageing. 

“However in many cases, it’s causing skin cancer which is almost totally preventable. 

“We need a sharp change in attitudes to tanning and protection in order to slow down the rise in skin cancer cases.”

At least 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year, with 2,300 Brits dying with the disease annually.

Melanoma UK recommends Brits wear sunscreen everyday, with recommending you use at least factor 30.

From March to October, NHS guidelines suggest spending time in the shade from 11am to 3pm and make sure you never sunburn.

There is no safe way to tan, experts say.

Just five sunburns in your lifetime double the risk of skin cancer, according to research in British Journal Dermatology.

The new survey found most Brits more than triple this, with rates particularly high in 18- to 24-year-olds.

One in five respondents said they would not ask a friend to sunscreen their back, with a quarter saying they were too embarrassed to do so.

This is despite 80 per cent of skin cancers in men coming above the waist.

Gillian Nuttall, chief executive of Melanoma UK, said “We want people to take a much more proactive approach to protecting their skin. 

“Daily protection is absolutely essential, and we want everyone to look at their skin and notice any differences. 

“If there’s a blemish or something you’re not happy about, chances are it needs looking at. 

“Hopefully it’s nothing but go and get it checked by a healthcare professional.”

How to protect yourself in the sun, according to Professor Aldridge

1) Use SPF daily

Most importantly, do not underestimate the life-long effects of sun exposure on your skin.

Daily use of SPF of at least 30, especially during the months of April to September, will ensure long-term skin protection.

2) Consider clothing

The use of high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)  clothing will help to reduce the harmful effects of UV exposure and hence burning, which can increase your risk of developing melanoma in the future, so consider wearing it particularly if you have a fair skin type.

3) Check your skin

If you see evidence of a non-healing or newly pigmented lesion on your skin that has been there for more than six weeks, particularly in sun-exposed areas, then regularly check it.

Things to watch out for could be a phase of crusting, bleeding, and re-forming again or not improving with time. This would be when to seek medical advice as soon as possible.