A recent study reveals that 67% of Spaniards apply sunscreen only during the summer season, despite daily use recommendations from dermatologists. Additionally, 32% of respondents admit that they forget to apply it, 11% are unaware of the need to protect themselves from the sun, and 9.8% doubt the effectiveness of these products.
This lack of habit in daily photoprotection is concerning, considering that excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of skin melanoma, whose incidence has increased by 50% in the last 20 years in Spain.
Various studies have analyzed the habits of Spaniards regarding the use of sunscreens:
-
Seasonality in use: A report from Nivea Sun indicates that, although 99% of respondents use sunscreen during the summer, this percentage significantly decreases in other seasons: 55% in spring, 33% in autumn, and only 28% in winter.
-
Protection limited to the face: According to data from ISDIN, 52.1% of Spaniards apply sunscreen only on their face during their daily routine, while 44.8% use it on all exposed areas.
-
Doubts about proper use: The same Nivea study reveals that 57% of Spaniards have doubts about how to correctly use sunscreen, and 1 in 4 has suffered sunburn in the last year due to insufficient reapplication.
Incidence of skin cancer in Spain
Inadequate sun exposure and lack of effective protection are related to an increase in skin cancer cases:
-
Significant increase: The incidence of skin cancer has grown by approximately 50% in the last 20 years in Spain.
-
New diagnoses: In 2023, 20,392 new cases of skin cancer were estimated in the country.
-
Types of cancer: Basal cell carcinomas have an incidence rate of around 120 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, squamous cell carcinomas 40 per 100,000, and melanoma, the most aggressive type, has a rate of 12 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Importance of education in photoprotection
Education and awareness about sun protection are fundamental
-
Impact of training: A study on medical students showed that after taking Dermatology, the use of sunscreen increased from 76.8% to 88.1%, and skin self-examination increased from 9.9% to 32.5%.
Adopting proper photoprotection habits throughout the year and on all exposed areas is essential to prevent skin cancer and other conditions related to sun exposure.