Here at Marie Claire UK, we're always harping on about the importance of applying sun cream. You see, over the past 20 or so years, cases of melanoma (one of the most common forms of skin cancer) in the UK have increased by 140%—a number which could be reduced in the future with widespread, regular and proper sun cream usage. So why are we still paying 20% tax on sun creams, when other healthcare products are considered exempt?
"Skin cancer is caused primarily by DNA damage from UV light exposure from the sun or sunbeds. UV radiation can cause mutations or changes in the DNA sequence of skin cells, resulting in the cells growing and dividing uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumour which can be fatal. As UV light exposure causes cell damage and death within the skin, the immune system recognises this damage and is activated resulting in an inflammatory response, which is sunburn," reveals Dr Thomas Tull, Consultant Dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic.
