TripAdvisor survey reveals Brits yet to heed sun damage warnings
Despite extensive warnings about the risks of sun damage, British travellers are still failing to adequately protect themselves on holiday. In a large-scale poll of over 9,000* travellers by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, nearly half of respondents – 45% - claim to have experienced sunburn at least once while on holiday in the last year, with a fifth (20%) admitting their sunburn was severe or moderate.
“These results clearly demonstrate that Brits still aren’t taking sun protection seriously enough,” commented Emma O’Boyle, TripAdvisor spokesperson. “With nearly half of us getting burnt on holiday and one-fifth being badly or moderately burnt, we need to heed the warnings – wear high factor sun cream, apply it often and try to avoid the midday sun as much as possible.”
The NHS recommends wearing at least SPF 15 or higher, but many other experts suggest SPF 30. A wide-brimmed hat will help keep sun off the face – one of the most common areas afflicted by skin cancer – while good quality sunglasses are necessary to protect the eyes from UVA and UVB rays. The NHS also suggests reapplying sun cream every two-three hours and after going in the water.
*Poll carried out on 9,096 TripAdvisor.co.uk users between 1-13 July 2011
