CTPA’s Media Panel sets the sun care record straight

The Cosmetics Toiletry and Perfumery Association launched its series of Media Panels in London today, with the first session focussing on exploding the myths about sun care.

The aim of the meeting, according to Eleanor O’Connor from the CTPA, was to present the press with the facts about sun care and to help set the record straight on a number of scare stories which have circulated in the past. Says O’Connor: “We hope that these meetings, which will be held quarterly, will help present journalists with a balanced view of the issues being discussed as we hope to help give the press a measured view from where we see it, and help them with any questions they might have.”

This inaugural session concentrated on the use of nanotechnology in sunscreens, organic sunscreens and the usage of sunscreens carrying SPFs of 2, 4 and 6. The guest speaker, Professor Mark Birch-Machin from Newcastle University, has spent years researching the skin’s response to ultraviolet radiations and the molecular genetics of skin cancer and said that he feels that these very low level SPFs do not offer sufficient protection for the skin and indeed promote sun tanning rather than sun protection.

Discussion also revolved around how people do not put on enough sunscreen to protect their skin adequately. Commented Professor Birch-Machin: “Most consumers only put on 40-60% of the necessary product according to recent studies and this is something which is worrying. And it is also important that they do not miss key areas, like behind the ears, when applying their sun lotions.”

The meeting also brought to light the fact that while skin cancer rates are experiencing a slowdown in countries such as Australia, the number of cases of skin cancer recorded in the UK has increased by between 20-30% in recent years.