Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma incidence has increased by more than 30% over the past decade, with over 16,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Non-melanoma skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) are far more prevalent still, with over 150,000 cases per year.
Regular, correct sunscreen use is one of the most effective preventive measures — and community pharmacists are ideally positioned to advise the public on sun protection, with 13,147 registered branches across England offering walk-in access to professional guidance.
Understanding SPF and UV ratings
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF measures protection against UVB radiation — the wavelength primarily responsible for sunburn and a major contributor to skin cancer risk.
| SPF rating | UVB blocked | Protection level |
|---|---|---|
| SPF 15 | ~93% | Minimum recommended |
| SPF 30 | ~97% | Standard recommendation for most UK skin types |
| SPF 50 | ~98% | Recommended for fair skin, children, high-altitude or tropical exposure |
| SPF 50+ | ~98%+ | Marginal additional benefit over SPF 50 |
The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is small in absolute terms (97% vs 98% UVB blocked), but for fair-skinned individuals or those with a history of skin cancer, the higher protection is worthwhile.
UVA protection
UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and is the primary driver of premature skin ageing and contributes to skin cancer risk. In the UK, look for:
- UVA star rating (1–5 stars): a UK-specific system. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends at least 4 stars
- UVA circle logo: indicates the product meets EU requirements for UVA protection at least one-third of the stated SPF
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ and 4–5 star UVA rating provides comprehensive protection for most UK consumers.
Choosing the right sunscreen: pharmacy advice
By skin type
| Skin type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Fair, burns easily (Fitzpatrick I-II) | SPF 50, reapply every 2 hours, seek shade 11am–3pm |
| Medium, sometimes burns (III-IV) | SPF 30–50, regular reapplication |
| Darker skin, rarely burns (V-VI) | SPF 15–30 minimum — UV damage still occurs even without visible sunburn |
| Sensitive or eczema-prone skin | Fragrance-free, mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) formulations |
| Acne-prone skin | Non-comedogenic, oil-free formulations |
By formulation
- Lotions and creams: best for body and face. Most thorough coverage
- Sprays: convenient for reapplication but easy to under-apply. Advise spraying liberally and rubbing in
- Gels: good for hairy areas (scalp line, chest, arms)
- Sticks: useful for around the eyes and lips
- Mineral (physical) sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide): sit on the skin surface and reflect UV. Preferred for sensitive skin and children. May leave a white cast on darker skin tones
Application: the most common mistake
Most people apply far too little sunscreen. Dermatological guidance recommends approximately:
- 35ml (7 teaspoons) for a full adult body
- 1 teaspoon for the face and neck alone
In practice, studies consistently show that consumers apply only 25–50% of the recommended amount, which can reduce effective SPF by half or more. Pharmacists should advise patients to be generous — if a bottle of sunscreen lasts all summer, they are almost certainly under-applying.
Reapplication is equally important:
- Every 2 hours during continuous sun exposure
- Immediately after swimming, sweating or towel-drying
- Even with "water-resistant" formulations, which provide reduced protection after water exposure
Children and sun safety
Children's skin is thinner and more susceptible to UV damage. The NHS recommends:
- Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight entirely
- Children aged 6 months to 12 years should use SPF 30+ with high UVA protection
- Wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective clothing and sunglasses with UV400 rating
- Seek shade during peak UV hours (11am–3pm in the UK, March to October)
Vitamin D and sun protection
A common patient concern is whether sunscreen prevents vitamin D synthesis. While UVB exposure is needed for vitamin D production, the evidence does not support avoiding sunscreen for this purpose. Real-world studies show that typical sunscreen use does not significantly reduce vitamin D levels.
For patients concerned about vitamin D, pharmacists can recommend supplementation — 10 micrograms (400 IU) daily for adults during autumn and winter, as per NHS guidance. PharmSee's vitamin D pharmacy guide covers this in detail.
Skin cancer awareness: what pharmacists can spot
Community pharmacists should be alert to patients asking about skin changes. The ABCDE rule for melanoma awareness:
| Letter | Warning sign |
|---|---|
| A — Asymmetry | One half unlike the other |
| B — Border | Irregular, ragged or blurred |
| C — Colour | Uneven, multiple colours |
| D — Diameter | Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser) |
| E — Evolving | Changing in size, shape or colour |
Any patient describing a changing mole or skin lesion should be advised to see their GP urgently — the 2-week-wait cancer referral pathway applies.
Sources
- Cancer Research UK, Skin cancer statistics (2025)
- British Association of Dermatologists, Sunscreen factsheet (2024)
- NHS England, Sun safety advice
- NICE, Sunlight exposure: risks and benefits (NG34, 2016)
- PharmSee pharmacy register data, April 2026 (13,147 registered community pharmacies in England)