Boots stores across Birmingham city centre are urging shoppers to get expert sun safety advice from their in-store experts over the summer. They are also warning people, especially men, not forget the back of the neck when slapping on suncream.
The pharmacy and beauty retailer is reminding customers that they can access sun safety advice and guidance at their local stores through their team of specially trained Suncare Advisors, available in most Boots stores. Boots also runs a mole scanning service.
Boots offers the largest range of sun protection on the high street, with more than 100 brands in formats including lotions, sprays, mists, sticks and roll-on.
Sunscreen offers at Boots stores – including in Bullring, High Street and Grand Central in Birmingham city centre – are currently saving shoppers up to a third on the regular price. That includes for brands like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay and Garnier. There are also tips on summer beauty in the flagship Birmingham Boots store at Bullring.
It comes as a Macmillan Cancer Support analysis found men are more than three times as likely to be diagnosed with melanoma on the neck or scalp than women.
Boots research also showed the back of the neck is one of the most commonly missed areas when applying sunscreen, with nearly 80% of Brits having burnt their neck in the past and 82% admitting they don’t always protect it on a typical summer day.
Clare O’Connor, Suncare Scientific Advisor at Boots, said: “While this campaign is encouraging people to think about the back of the neck, which is a regularly forgotten area for protection, it’s important not to stop there.
“Sun protection should cover all exposed skin, remembering the scalp, ears, hairline and neck, which are all often missed yet are particularly vulnerable to sun damage.
“When applying sunscreen, use a generous amount of high-factor, broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and reapply every two hours and always after swimming.
“Alongside sunscreen, protect your skin by wearing a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses, and spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm. If you have any questions, visit your local Boots store, where our expert teams can help you choose the right sun protection for you and your family this summer.”
Boots has been working closely with Macmillan Cancer Support and up to this month was donating 50p to the charity for every bottle of Soltan Clear & Cool Spray SPF50 100ml to help support people living with cancer.
June Davis, Lead Allied Health Professional and Nursing Advisor from Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “If you’re enjoying the warmer weather, it’s worth remembering that the sun’s UV rays can be strong and exposure to them is the main cause of skin cancer. But taking these few simple steps can help you stay safe while making the most of it.
“For any unexplained skin changes like a new or changing mole, or an itch or sore that will not go away, it’s important to always speak to a GP to get checked. It might help to take a photograph of anything unusual, so you can check for any changes.”
Teaming up with England & Newcastle United footballer Dan Burn, it saw the defender change his name on social media to ‘Dan Won’t Burn’ to help share the serious message this summer for Boots.
Dan said: “I’ll admit the back of my neck isn’t always part of my game plan. It’s an easy area to miss, but one that’s vulnerable to sun damage.
“Whether I’m on the pitch or running around after the kids, I spend a lot of time outside so it’s something I know I need to take seriously. I’m proud to be teaming up with Boots this summer to help raise awareness of this important issue – be sure to think ‘Back of the Neck.”
More than 9,000 men diagnosed with melanoma in England each and account for around four-fifths of all new cases of melanoma diagnosed on that area each year.
Yet, Boots research found less than 10% of men surveyed believe it is necessary to wear sunscreen on a cloudy summer day, with only 33% seeing it as essential when playing or watching sport outdoors.