How many sunburns does it take to get skin cancer?

A study by Brown University in the US which followed 100,000 women over a twenty year period found that five serious sunburns between the ages of 15-20 increased their chances of being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer by 80%. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer risk also increased by 68% in the same group.

Separately, Cancer Research UK has reported that getting sun burnt once every two years can triple your risk of getting melanoma skin cancer.

Sunburn is a clear sign that your skin cells have been damaged by too much UV light. Your skin reacts to the sunlight by producing more melanin which in turn darkens the colour of your skin as a way to naturally protect itself. Individuals who have pale skin produce less melanin and are most likely to get sunburn.

Skin cancer is caused primarily by the cumulative effects of UV light exposure, so every time you get sunburnt it increases your chances of getting skin cancer later on in life.

Since the early 1990s, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates in the UK have more than doubled (140%). Rates in females have around doubled (106%), and rates in males have almost tripled (186%).

Dermatologists recommend UPF50+ sun protective clothing as the most effective form of sun protection, avoid sunburn and prevent skin cancer. UPF50+ is the maximum sun protective rating for clothing in Australia.

Solbari Sun Protection offers a range of award-winning UPF50+ sun protective clothing, sun hats, arm sleeves, gloves and umbrellas. All of the Solbari’s products are tested and rated UPF50+ by the Australian Government.