La Roche-Posay uncovers “healthy” suntan myths, researchers call for increased skincare awareness

14 Sep 2022 --- Eight in ten Europeans believe tans are attractive, with almost 73% saying tans are healthy, according to a new survey conducted by La Roche-Posay Laboratoires. Seventeen thousand people from 17 countries, including 6,000 from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Russia, participated in the survey.

“This research shows just how entrenched the “healthy” suntan myth is – even in those who have already suffered sun damage or developed skin cancer,” says lead researcher Prof. Thierry Passeron, chair of dermatology at the University hospital of Nice.

Other beliefs included believing sun protection was unnecessary in cloudy weather and that you did not need sunscreen if you already had a tan.

Only one in ten Europeans said they routinely or often used forms of sun protection.Differences in the global south 
People surveyed from non-European countries, including North and South America, Africa, Oceania and Asia, were slightly less enthusiastic about suntans than Europeans, with 67% saying a tan was attractive and 59% believing a tan was healthy.

“The public must understand that they must protect their skin all year round, even during overcast weather. Once sunscreen has been applied, it must be reapplied every 2 hours to ensure sufficient protection. Other measures such as wearing sunglasses, a hat, protective clothing and seeking shade when possible are key photoprotection habits,” adds Passeron.

The study was presented at the 31st European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress in Milan, Italy.

“Inadequate” sun protection in Europe
The survey revealed that only 56% of Europeans know sun protection is useful when the weather is overcast versus 64% outside of Europe. Also, one in four (24%) thought it was safe to go outside without sun protection when they were already tanned versus 21% outside of Europe.

Although 92% of Europeans were aware of the skin aging risks posed by the sun (86% outside of Europe), 84% admitted they did not protect themselves all year round (79% outside of Europe).

Only one in ten Europeans said they routinely or often used forms of sun protection compared to 14% outside Europe.

“We must drive awareness of the damage to skin cells caused by exposure to the sun, which can lead to photoaging and skin cancer. This is particularly important in Europe where sun protection appears most inadequate compared to other countries,” added Passeron.

Unimaginable to holiday without a tan?59% of the at-risk group said they could not imagine returning from a holiday without a tan.
According to estimates, about 1.7% or around 7.3 million European adults have skin cancer. Ultraviolet sun exposure is responsible for more than 80% of visible photoaging signs, such as lines and wrinkles.

A second analysis by the team found that dangers of sun exposure was higher in at-risk groups of people. However, 59% of this group said they could not imagine returning from a holiday without a tan.

Moreover, 90% of at-risk groups said they were aware of the risks the sun posed to their skin, yet 72% still regarded a tan as healthy, which is higher than those with no history of skin cancer or other sun-exposure-related exposure skin conditions.

Additionally, of those who said they applied sunscreen in at-risk groups, only one in four, or 26%, used it every two hours or more often than is recommended.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria