Today, sun protection is a real public health issue: every year, a large number of skin cancers are detected worldwide as a result of excessive exposure to the sun's rays. In addition, sun exposure is recognized as a factor in premature skin aging and other dermatological pathologies. To gain a better understanding of people's sun habits, La Roche-Posay and Ipsos have just carried out a large-scale epidemiological study involving 17,000 people in 17 countries.

The study was previewed in Boston in the "late breaking news" session of the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) 2022 Annual Dermatology Meeting.

Bad habits and preconceived ideas die hard

Some 88 % of respondents do not systematically use protective measures when exposed to the sun, and 15 % never use sunscreen. Nearly half of respondents do not believe that sunscreens provide effective protection against skin cancer (50 %) and even sunburn (40 %).

This inadequate protection is largely due to preconceived ideas or a lack of knowledge about the sun's rays, according to which :

• It would not be useful to protect oneself on cloudy days or during the winter. Thus, 77 % of respondents worldwide said they do not protect themselves from the sun all year round, but only on hot days and/or their vacations;
• People who are already tanned would need less or no protection (according to 44 % of respondents);
• It would not be essential to reapply sun protection. Only 26 % of respondents would apply it regularly, i.e. at least every two hours.

What's more, only 12 % of respondents in total, and 19 % of people with phototype 1 (very white, very sensitive skin, light hair and eyes), use all the protection they need when exposed to the sun. In addition to sunscreen, this includes: trying to stay in the shade (77 % of respondents), avoiding exposure between midday and 4pm (66 %), wearing sunglasses with UV filters (56 %), covering the head (55 %) or wearing protective clothing (44 %).

According to Pr Thierry Passeron, dermatologist in Nice, France: "This major international epidemiological study was essential to gain a better understanding of people's photoprotection habits. It demonstrates a real need for education, both in the general population and in so-called 'at-risk' populations, who, even if they protect themselves better, have limited knowledge of the risks of solar radiation. In particular, the La Roche-Posay study shows that 61% of respondents are unaware of the differences between UVA and UVB rays!

Insufficient sun protection reinforced by beauty standards and sun addiction

The return of sunny weather also signals the return of bad sun protection habits. These may have been encouraged by the numerous communications on the risks of vitamin D deficiency. In fact, 87 % of respondents claim that exposure to the sun enables them to synthesize vitamin D, and 82 % that sun exposure gives them energy.

Beauty standards are also to blame: 72 % of the world's population claim that tanned skin is attractive, 64 % that it gives the impression of good health, and 49 % that it's unthinkable to return from vacation without a tan.

A world population that often underestimates the importance of prevention

Although 88 % of respondents say they are aware that the sun can cause skin problems, and 81 % that it accelerates skin ageing, they are far from acting accordingly.

While self-monitoring of the skin enables early detection of any suspicious skin lesions, the general public often has limited knowledge in this area, and is often unaware of when to consult a dermatologist. What's more, 76 % of respondents said they don't regularly - if ever - consult a dermatologist to monitor their moles.

Lastly, 57 % of those questioned said they regretted not having protected themselves more from the sun in the past, but there are wide disparities:

• Between men and women (49 % and 65 % respectively);
• Between new and older generations (62 % of 18-24 year-olds, 65 % of 25-34 year-olds versus 47 % for over-60s);
• Between at-risk profiles (with melanoma, pre-cancerous lesions, sun allergy or weakened immune system) and the rest of the population (79 % versus 54 %).

A growing public health issue

At a time when many scientists are warning of an increase in the number of cancers by 2050, bad habits persist. La Roche Posay believes that the world's population needs to be made aware of prevention tools, protection methods and the importance of early detection.

"As the No. 1 dermocosmetics brand recommended by dermatologists worldwide, it is our duty to raise public awareness of skin cancer prevention and, more broadly, of the harmful effects of the sun. For over 10 years, we have been conducting studies with scientists from all over the world, contributing to the training of professionals, and offering free screenings in over 30 countries worldwide. This global study proves that our awareness-raising work is far from over, and we will be pursuing our efforts to ensure that sun protection is recognized as a major public health issue".commented Laetitia Toupet, President of La Roche-Posay International.

La Prairie Group AG, the leading luxury skincare company owned by the Beiersdorf Group, has appointed Philippe Lamy as CEO, succeeding Patrick Rasquinet, who has led the luxury house since 2010.
Philippe Lamy will join La Prairie on April 2, 2022 and will lead the La Prairie Executive Committee, based at the company's headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Patrick Rasquinet will now focus on his broader role on the Board of Directors of Beiersdorf where he is responsible for the entire Pharmaceutical & Selective division (Eucerin, Hansaplast, La Prairie, Chantecaille).
Philippe Lamy joins La Prairie after 8 years at Loro Piana, the nearly 150-year-old Italian family-owned luxury fabric and apparel company that joined the LVMH group in 2014. He was previously CEO of Shang Xia, a Chinese luxury brand created and owned by Hermès, and before that spent more than 13 years at L'Oreal where he held several positions in the luxury and travel retail divisions in Asia Pacific and the Americas. Philippe Lamy is an expert in luxury retail, with experience in innovative start-ups as well as large established houses, and an international and multicultural background in all major markets. In his new role, Philippe Lamy will report directly to Patrick Rasquinet.
Patrick Rasquinet, member of the Beiersdorf Board of Directors, said: "We have found in Philippe a strong leader, a forward-thinking strategist and a luxury retail industry insider. He has all the credentials to take La Prairie forward in the coming years and help the company realize its potential to become the kind of legendary luxury house we envision. I am delighted to welcome him to the Beiersdorf Group and to leave La Prairie in his very capable hands. I look forward to working closely with him to make our vision a reality." .
Philippe Lamy, new CEO of La Prairie, added: "It is a great honor for me to take on this role at La Prairie and I am very excited about the opportunities ahead. Maison La Prairie is beautiful and the company has been steadily building its brand positioning over the past few years. I feel truly privileged to be a part of the next chapter of such a luxurious and leading house as La Prairie. It feels great to be back in the skincare industry after more than 10 years away. I can't wait to start working with Patrick and the executive committee as soon as possible."