Why the UK Is Finally Treating UV Exposure as a Public Health Issue

For years, sunscreen in the UK has largely been associated with holidays, heatwaves and summer skincare routines.

However, a major new parliamentary report is challenging that perception, arguing that UV exposure should be treated as a serious public health issue rather than simply a cosmetic concern.

In A Preventable Crisis: The Case for a National UV Safety Strategy, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Beauty, Hair & Wellbeing describes overexposure to UV radiation as:

“a severe, yet entirely preventable, public health crisis in the UK.”

At Ultrasun, this is a conversation we believe has been overdue for some time.

Skin cancer rates continue to rise in the UK

The APPG report highlights the growing scale of UV-related skin damage and skin cancer across the UK.

According to the report:

• Melanoma is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK
• Around 2,600 people die from melanoma every year, more than seven people every day
• Melanoma incidence rates have increased by approximately two-and-a-half times since the early 1990s

The report also states that:

“86% of melanoma skin cancer cases and 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation and, as such, are entirely preventable.”

That word — preventable — appears repeatedly throughout the report.

Why does the UK still misunderstand UV exposure?

One of the strongest themes in the APPG inquiry is the lack of public understanding around UV safety.

The report found that:

“Almost three-quarters (73%) say they ‘don’t know’ at which UV index they should protect themselves.”

Yet NHS guidance recommends using sun protection when the UV Index reaches 3 or above — levels commonly seen during spring and summer in the UK.

The APPG also heard evidence that many people still believe myths such as:

• “You don’t need SPF in the UK”
• “A base tan protects your skin”
• Sunscreen is only necessary abroad or on very hot days

In reality, UV exposure is cumulative. Daily incidental exposure, walking outdoors, driving, sitting near windows or spending time outside during everyday activities contributes to long-term skin damage over time.

Why is SPF now being viewed differently?

Historically, sunscreen has often been positioned as a seasonal beauty product.

However, the APPG report argues that this framing needs to change.

It states:

“The current VAT framework presents sun protection products as luxury products designed for holiday use, rather than as essential healthcare items.”

The report goes on to recommend reducing VAT on SPF30+ sunscreen products to improve accessibility and reinforce the role of sun protection in preventative healthcare.

This marks an important cultural shift.

SPF is increasingly being recognised not simply as skincare, but as part of long-term health protection.

Why does daily SPF protection matter?

The APPG repeatedly emphasises the importance of normalising daily UV protection.

The report recommends:

“integrating sun protection products into the wider skincare and body care selections instead of sidelining them”

with the aim of reinforcing the idea that sunscreen is for everyday use — not just holidays.

At Ultrasun, this has always been central to our philosophy.

UV exposure does not disappear when temperatures cool or clouds appear. UVA rays, one of the primary contributors to premature skin ageing and cumulative skin damage, remain present year-round.

That’s why consistency matters more than intensity.

Why is inclusive UV education important?

Another major focus of the report is the need for more inclusive sun protection messaging.

The APPG specifically acknowledges that many historical campaigns failed to adequately represent darker skin tones, despite the fact that skin cancer and UV damage can affect all skin types.

The report references Ultrasun’s partnership with the Black Skin Directory, stating:

“In 2019, the Black Skin Directory partnered with sun protection brand, Ultrasun, to launch the UK’s first suncare campaign that directly spoke to people of colour.”

The report also highlights concerns that:

“44% of people with brown or dark brown skin [felt] that sun awareness messaging wasn’t relevant to their skin type.”

Better representation and education are critical to ensuring everyone feels included in conversations around skin health and UV safety.

A turning point for UV awareness

Perhaps the clearest message throughout the report is that the UK needs a long-term cultural shift in how UV exposure is understood.

The APPG calls for:

• Sustained public health campaigns
• Mandatory UV education in schools
• Greater workplace protection for outdoor workers
• Clearer public messaging around daily SPF use

At Ultrasun, we welcome this growing recognition that UV protection should be viewed as part of everyday health, not just summer beauty routines.

Because protecting skin isn’t about avoiding sunshine.

It’s about understanding exposure, building healthier habits and helping people protect their skin every day.

FAQs

Do you need sunscreen in the UK?

Yes. UV rays are present in the UK throughout the year, particularly UVA rays which contribute to skin ageing and long-term skin damage.

At what UV Index should you wear sunscreen?

The NHS recommends using sunscreen when the UV Index reaches 3 or above.

Is sunscreen only necessary on sunny days?

No. UV radiation can still penetrate through clouds and contribute to cumulative skin damage even on cooler or overcast days.

Why is daily SPF important?

Daily SPF helps protect against cumulative UV exposure, premature skin ageing and long-term skin damage.

Dermatologists typically recommend SPF50+ for children during prolonged outdoor exposure.

How often should children reapply sunscreen?

Children should reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Is water-resistant sunscreen enough on its own?

No. Water-resistant sunscreen should still be reapplied regularly and combined with hats, clothing and shade.