Sun-Kissed or Sun-Protected? How Our Habits are Changing
Let’s take a look at what our Beauty Buddies have to say on the subject.
In the quest for sun-kissed skin, a timeless debate continues to simmer: SPF vs. tanning. While many covet the golden glow of a tan, the ever-present conversation around sun protection has shifted our perspective on what it means to be a "sun worshipper." The desire for a bronzed look often clashes with the critical need to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. This has led to a fascinating divide in how people approach their time in the sun, balancing the aesthetic appeal of a tan with the long-term health of their skin. Our recent survey sheds light on this very topic, offering a deeper look into modern sun care and tanning habits.
Sun Exposure and SPF Usage
When asked about sun exposure during the summer, a striking 54% of respondents said they spend time outdoors every day, while 39% do so a few times a week. Only a small percentage, 8%, reported spending time in the sun less than once a week.
When it comes to sun protection, the majority of people are diligent. A strong 72% of respondents said they always apply SPF when they go out in the sun, and 23% do so most of the time. This shows that most people prioritize sun protection. However, 5% of respondents said they only use SPF occasionally, and 1% said they never use it, suggesting a small segment of the population might be at risk of sun damage.
The survey also revealed a clear preference for a high level of SPF protection. Over half of the respondents, 54%, prefer SPF 50+, followed by 27% who opt for SPF 20–30. Only 21% use SPF 15 or below.
When asked about the motivations for using SPF, the results were clear. 74% of respondents use it to prevent skin aging, while 70% are motivated to prevent sunburn. A significant 69% use it to prevent skin cancer, and 62% consider SPF application to be part of their daily skincare routine.
Tanning and Sunburns
The survey also explored attitudes towards tanning. When asked "Do you try to get a tan in the summer?", 45% said yes, they love having a tan. However, a considerable portion, 32%, said they try to tan sometimes, but it’s not a priority. A smaller percentage, 17%, said they avoid tanning altogether.
When asked if they had ever skipped SPF to get a faster tan, 21% of people admitted they had. Furthermore, 25% said they did so unintentionally or simply forgot.
A significant portion of respondents have experienced the negative consequences of tanning without protection. 46% reported getting a sunburn once or twice while trying to tan, and a further 32% said they had been sunburned many times. This indicates that almost 80% of respondents have had a sunburn while attempting to get a tan.
Despite the risks, the desire for a tan remains. A majority of respondents, 51%, believe that having a tan makes them look healthier or more attractive. Another 30% think it sometimes makes them look healthier.
Tanning Methods
The survey also looked into the preferred methods for achieving a tanned look. The most popular choice was using fake tan/self-tanning products with 49% of respondents using them. Following closely were bronzing makeup at 48% and gradual tanning moisturisers at 44%. Sunbathing remains a popular method, used by 41% of respondents. Interestingly, 18% of people stated they don't try to get a tan at all.
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