Spaniards know the sun can damage their skin, but most still don’t protect themselves every day, according to a survey on sun protection habits carried out for the skincare brand Nivea Sun.
The figures
- 85% say they are worried about the effects of the sun on their skin.
- 82% fear developing skin cancer.
- Only 33% use sun cream all year round.
- 67% admit it is not part of their daily routine.
- 70% use it at the beach or pool, but only about 30% when sitting on a terrace or in a park.
- Half say they have been sunburnt on a terrace.
Common mistakes
- 45% don’t know how to interpret the sun protection factor (SPF) or how much cream to apply.
- More than half apply it only once, before going out, and forget to reapply.
Young adults are particularly prone to burning: more than half of those aged 18 to 24 said they had been burnt.
How to protect yourself properly
- Use enough. Most people apply far less than the amount used to test SPF. One guide is the “two-finger rule”: a line of cream along two fingers for each area of the body, such as the face and neck, each arm, the front and back of the torso, and each leg.
- Reapply every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or towelling.
- Don’t forget everyday exposure: walking, sitting outside a café or driving all add up.
- Use SPF 30 or higher, and SPF 50 for children and people with fair skin.
- Combine cream with hats, sunglasses and shade, especially between noon and 4pm.
Why it matters
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, and sun exposure is its main avoidable cause. Ultraviolet radiation also causes premature ageing and dark spots. Dermatologists recommend treating sun protection as a daily habit — like brushing your teeth — rather than something only for holidays.
In the Balearics
With strong sunshine for much of the year and a lifestyle spent largely outdoors, Balearic residents are particularly exposed. UV levels on the islands can be high even in spring and autumn, when many people don’t think about protecting their skin.
