One in five adults believe sunburn is necessary for a good tan

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One in five adults believe sunburn is necessary for a good tan

Four in 10 also sit in the sun without protection as they think they will get a better tan.

Four in 10 also admitted to purposely sitting in the sun without protection to deepen their tan(Image: Getty)

As the UK prepares for a week-long rare red weather warning heatwave which could result in the nation’s hottest ever June day this week, a study of 2,000 adults found one in five consider sunburn to be a necessary part of getting a tan. Four in 10 also admitted to purposely sitting in the sun without protection to get a more bronzed look.

But while 58 per cent of those who have burned simply forgot to apply sunscreen or lost track of how long they had been in the sun, 44 per cent were caught out by the sun’s strength.

Nearly six in ten of those who have been burnt forgot to apply sun cream(Image: Getty / Guido Mieth)

One in five (19 per cent) have been so seriously burned, they have had to help from medical professionals, with 23 per cent of those going as far as visiting a minor injuries unit or even A&E.

The study found the face (43 per cent) is the area most likely to be burned from time in the sun, followed by shoulders (38 per cent), arms (33 per cent) and scalps (20 per cent).

It also emerged 38 per cent of those who have burned previously don’t worry about the impact it can have on their chances of developing skin cancer.

Of those, 23 per cent feel it’s not something they need to be concerned about as they only burn occasionally, and 10 per cent don’t believe the UK sun is strong enough to cause the disease.

The study was commissioned by Bupa, which has launched an AI integrated at home skin assessment service to check moles and skin lesions potentially linked to skin cancer, providing accurate results in minutes.

More than three in 10 have been burnt on their arms(Image: Getty)

Tim Woodman, medical director for policy and cancer services at Bupa UK Insurance, said: “Many people underestimate the strength of the UK sun and the seriousness of sunburn, enjoying heatwaves and sunny spells without prioritising skin protection.

“However, UV damage can build up over time and can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.

“That’s why it’s crucial to protect yourself from the sun and wear sunscreen, even on cooler or cloudy days.”

The research also found nearly half (46 per cent) aren’t confident they could spot the signs of possible skin cancer, with 24 per cent unaware changes in an existing mole could be an early indicator.

One in four (26 per cent) don’t see a new mole, lump, spot or rough patch of skin as being something to look out for, while 53 per cent wouldn’t be alarmed by a patch of skin which is itchy or sore.

One in five had to get medical help for their sunburn(Image: Getty)

Despite Bupa advice recommending you check for new moles, or changes to existing ones at least once a month, only 36 per cent of all adults do this, and a quarter have never checked, according to the OnePoll figures.

Dr Woodman added: “Melanoma, which is the most serious type of skin cancer, is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK, yet an estimated 86 per cent of cases are preventable.

“Checking your skin for new moles or lesions, or changes to existing ones, at least once a month will help you to spot signs of potential cancer early.

“If you notice anything unusual, like a mole changing in size, shape or colour, seek medical advice as soon as possible.”

Those in the city of Coventry are most likely to burn, with 47 per cent of residents always or often burning during a typical summer – more than twice the national average of just 18 per cent.

86% of melanoma cases are preventable(Image: Getty)

Two thirds (67 per cent) of those in the Midlands city – more than anywhere else in the UK – also choose to forgo sunscreen to boost their chances of getting a tan.

Belfast came second, with a quarter of residents usually burning during the summer months, followed by Liverpool, Birmingham and Edinburgh (all 24 per cent).

But Sheffield was found to be home to the most sun-conscious residents, with just eight per cent tending to burn over a typical summer.