Fact: Of course, sun screens help to prevent certain skin cancers, such as basal (upper layers of skin) and squamous (various organs, including skin, lips and mouth). Medical studies have shown that, although very rare, the additional free radicals produced when sunscreen is absorbed into the skin, can increase the risk of malignant melonoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer, causing 75% of skin cancer related deaths which is very much in the media at the moment).

 

 

 

Fact: Sunburn can affect the eyes, as well as the skin. A third of people are unaware of this, and often, the stinging sensation in the eyes is attributed to sea water or cholrinated water in pools. Eyes are very sensitive to UV radiation,  and it is vital they are protected at all times, by sunglasses or UV protected glasses. Failure to protect your eyes in the short term can lead to long term complications, such as cateracts and cancer of the eyes.

 

 

 

Fact: Whilst there is no doubt that those with darker skin pigmentation are at a reduced risk of contracting skin cancer, no one is immune, and cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin type or colour.

 

 

 

Fact: Surprisingly, this is not, actually, true. The protection provided does not increase in proportion to the Sun Protection Factor. The higher you go, the less the added benefit. An SPF 15 will protect against 93% of UVB Rays, whereas SPF 20 will protect against 97%, SPF 50; 98% and SPF 100; 99%

 

 

 

Fact: Waterproof sunscreens start to lose some of their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water. No sun screen really provides all day protection. This is just another marketing gimmick. All sun screens should be re applied every couple of hours, especially after swimming or excessive sweating.

 

 

 

Fact: There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Neither is a 'base' tan a substitute for sun screening.

 

 

 

Fact: It is never too late to start. In an Australian study, participants were aged 25 to 75, and there was a significant impact, from starting to use sun screen, across the whole age range.