While sunscreen is one of the best weapons against the harmful effects of UV rays, a study reveals that nearly 40% of French people believe they do not need it.
- 9 out of 10 French people think that it is essential to protect themselves from UV rays with sun cream.
- Only 43% of respondents apply sunscreen every 2 hours, as recommended.
- 39% of French people believe they can do without sunscreen because “they don’t really need it”.
UV rays are responsible for the majority of the 140,000 to 250,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in France. And despite prevention campaigns on the dangers of the sun, nearly 4 out of 10 adults think they do not need to protect their skin with sunscreen, according to the 2024 barometer of the FEBEA (Federation of Beauty Companies) on the uses of the French in terms of sun protection.
Sun protection: habits differ depending on location, gender and age
Nine out of 10 respondents are well aware that it is essential to protect yourself from UV rays with suitable products. However, they are less conscientious when it comes to applying total screen to combat the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Indeed, while 83% of French people apply sunscreen at least once a day when they are at the beach or swimming pool, they are not as rigorous afterwards. Only 43% of them repeat this action every two hours as recommended by health professionals. In addition, 16% (3 points less than in 2021) admit to never protecting themselves.
And the protective gesture is also less present in gardens or on terraces. The rate of French people who apply sunscreen at least once a day in the event of long exposure drops to 69% in these places. 30% of those surveyed (including 36% of men) never protect themselves, which represents an increase of 10 points compared to 2021.
In total, 49% of respondents believe they can do without sunscreen because “they don’t really need it” Among men and young people aged 25 to 34, this rises to 46%!
Melanomas: 7% of French people do not apply sunscreen to their children
While the French are more conscientious with their children, 40% of them still do not follow recommended practices such as reapplying sunscreen every two hours or after swimming. Furthermore, 7% of parents say they never apply total sunscreen to their children when they are exposed to the sun.
The FEBEA is using its barometer to remind us that “Until puberty, the skin and eyes are fragile and more sensitive to UV rays. Sunburn and repeated exposure are a major cause of the development of skin cancers (melanomas) in adulthood.”
