Sun protection habits

The SAFE study

Protecting your skin from the sun

Sun protection that is still inadequate

50-80% of cumulative exposure happens in early childhood1. 
That’s why, at Pierre Fabre Laboratories, we have conducted the SAFE* study, in order to better understand sun-related behaviour, as well as sun protection habits, particularly of parents and grandparents in relation to their children and grandchildren. 

In the SAFE study, it was found that both adults and younger people did not receive sufficient and appropriate sun protection. 

Furthermore, some misuse or lack of awareness poses a health risk. 
 

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  1. 45

    of respondents didn’t know UVB causes sunburn.

  2. 21

    of respondents thought clouds offer sun protection.

  3. 67

    of respondents thought tanning would be slower if they used a high protection factor.

In fact, almost 1 in 2 respondents didn’t know that UVB can cause skin damage. Moreover, almost 1 in 3 respondents thought they would tan more slowly with SPF50 than with SPF30. Finally, 21% of respondents thought that clouds protect against UV radiation. As such, these misunderstandings can lead to confusion about how to behave in the sun.

Children are not sufficiently protected

  • 98% of children were exposed to the sun during the summer and 70% were exposed between 11 am and 5 pm, the hottest times of the day. 
  • 35% were exposed for more than 2 hours a day.
  • Less than one in five children (18.5%) received an application every two hours on sunny days!

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Cumulative sun exposure and sunburn in childhood are the main causes of most skin cancers2. In fact, 50-80% of cumulative exposure happens in early childhood1.

Dr Ariadna Ortiz Brugués

Medical Director of Avène Dermatological Laboratories

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Adults do not have adequate sun protection

  • More than one in two respondents (59.1%) reported using the remaining sunscreen product from the previous year.
  • During intense sun exposure, only 13.1% said they reapplied every 2 hours.
  • 66.9% said that they felt that their parents had provided little or no protection from the sun.

Why should protect yourself from UV rays?

The SAFE study found that people do not always protect themselves for the right reasons. 

  • 79% of respondents said they protect themselves to avoid sunburn. 
  • 41% of respondents use sunscreens to allow prolonged exposure to the sun.
  • Only 58.5% reported using sunscreens to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

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The right approach to take

For the best level of UV protection, remember to apply the suncare recommendations.

*International survey - 8,120 parents/grandparents, 7 countries - descriptive analysis of photoprotection habits 

1Stern RS, Weinstein MC, Baker SG. Risk reduction for nonmelanoma skin cancer with childhood sunscreen use. Arch Dermatol 1986; 122: 537-45 

2A total of 8,120 adults responsible for children (6,662 parents and 1,458 grandparents) were interviewed. The study was carried out by the company EMMA, France, which is a member of ESOMAR. The company complies with the good ethical practices of the ESOMAR guidelines.