“As long as I don't get sunburnt, I'm fine.” At the beach, sunscreen isn't always a priority

Skin cancers are among the most common types of cancer. In approximately 85% of cases, it is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Although risk and prevention communication has been evolving for years, good practices are not yet fully implemented all the time.

Beach bag under one arm and towels under the other, Catherine and Françoise take stock: swimsuits, flip-flops, hats, sunglasses, magazines, water bottles, even a watermelon cut into quarters and stored in a glass container…

Everything is there for their relaxing day on the sand, or almost: “We forgot sunscreen, They admit, somewhat sheepishly. We took the tube out before leaving, but didn't think to put it in the bag“Too bad,” they whisper.Once can't hurt. And it's not very warm today, so…“

At the heart of Skin Cancer Awareness Week – held this year from June 10 to 16 – it is clear that although the majority of the population is aware of preventive measures, some still forget, or sometimes decide, not to actually apply them.

Emma, ​​22, says she applies sunscreen, but only upon first exposure. “Then, once tanned, I tend not to use as much, or when I go on big boat trips, but other than that I don't pay much attention to it.“

A strategy that the young woman admits to adopting to ensure a better tan. The same concern for Giovan Batisto, 75, who uses the cream every day.But with a not very high protection index“, he explains, showing off his tube, which is labeled “Intense Tan” FP6 – meaning low sun protection factor -.This way, I gradually tan and don't get sunburned.“

Fabio, 43, has chosen a more effective technique to ensure beautiful caramel-coloured skin from the first days of summer: in the absence of sunscreen, he uses tanning oils instead.

Without fear of potential risks to their skin? “I tell myself I'm fine as long as I don't get sunburned., slips Emma, ​​who nevertheless decides to check the UV index before exposing herself. “I don't ask myself this question. At my age, we no longer ask questions, it's over“, jokes Givan Batisto.

“There are many things today we are asked to be careful about“Fabio points out. But I only do it a couple of months a year, it's not like it's every dayHowever, the forty-year-old explains that he does not have the same mindset regarding his 11-year-old son.For him, I have an index of 50“, he confirms, pointing to the tube.

Is sun protection really necessary before exposure? Yes, remembers Leo Le Butlan, the pharmacist in Marana. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation – ultraviolet radiation – whether natural or artificial, poses risks to the skin, even at its lowest levels. “It's a problem not to protect yourself“.

There are two main types of skin cancer, notes the National Cancer Institute. The first and most common type (90% of skin cancers) is the cancer that takes the form of a pimple or white crust. It occurs in most cases after the age of fifty, and is the result of excessive and chronic exposure to sunlight. The second type, which is the most dangerous: cutaneous melanoma. In 85% of cases, the cause is again excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation among people over 30 years of age.

Data show that between 141,200 and 243,500 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in France each year. Public health France. About 2,000 deaths were recorded.

Even beyond the risks of skin cancer,”Sunscreen is the best anti-aging agent and the best solution to prevent accelerated skin aging“, continues pharmacist Leo Le Botlan. It is an even more important recommendation in a regularly sunny area such as Corsica.

However, the pharmacist points out a positive point: “In general, there is some kind of awareness among people about this topic. They are increasingly aware of the importance of being careful, and are buying more and more products earlier and earlier in the year, especially for children. Then, we try as much as possible to guide them as well. For example, when clients ask us for index 30, we will try to get them to switch to protection 50.“

Even if there are still regular customers.”Who come to see us all red after we've been burned. These are basically people who arrive from vacation without sunscreen, are exposed to the sun's rays on the first day, and then go to the pharmacy to find products to relieve them and protect for the future.“

Therefore, to skip this painful step, it is best to consider purchasing sun protection cream in advance… and remember to reapply it several times during the day, to benefit from the greatest effectiveness.