Solarium nation
In 2003, more than 290,000 people used a solarium, the biggest users being
women 25-44 years. Despite the fact that many solarium goers believe it’s a safer way to get a tan, it's not. Sun yourself in the harmful UVA and UVB rays of a solarium or tanning bed and you’re not only risking skin cancer but you're also fast-tracking the ageing process. There is simply no safe way to tan using natural or artificial light.
Suncare: take action
Olay recently conducted an online survey to gauge the sun-sense habits and attitudes of nearly 15,000 Australian women. The "Helping Australian Women to Save the Skin They’re In" survey revealed some fascinating results.
Habit-forming behaviour
63 percent of women use a moisturiser with SPF protection on a daily basis. 79 percent apply sunscreen if they are going to the beach but only 30 percent of women apply sunscreen when they are going to be outdoors for more than 15 minutes. Alarmingly, a significant 48 percent of women never reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Age matters
26 per cent of women do not use any form of sun protection on a daily basis — with 43 percent of this group being under the age of 18. While 45 percent of under 18s have sunbaked often without using sunscreen.
Majority rules
A staggering 98 percent of women surveyed have been burnt to the point of blistering or peeling. Overall, 62 percent of women feel that they look better with a sun tan.
Growing concern
67 percent of women over 55 are very concerned about developing skin cancer in their lifetime, however only 35 percent of women under 18 years and 24 percent of 18-24 year olds have the same concern. Despite growing awareness, 55 percent of women do not have their skin regularly checked for signs of skin cancer.
