E-poster La Roche Posay VF-VD


Primary and secondary prevention of skin cancer vary considerably f rom one country to another. This survey 
investigates knowledge and behaviors regarding sun exposure in Europe compared to other continents 
such as North and South America, Af rica, Oceania and Asia.

This European survey among Germany, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Russia (N= 6,000) was 
conducted online f rom 28 September-18 October 2021 and was part of a broader worldwide survey 
(N=17,001) conducted in 17 countries (5 continents). 
Automated selection f rom the Ipsos online Panel ensured samples of 1,000 individuals in each country fit 
the quotas method based on gender, age, employment status, and country regions. Data covered 
demographics, phototype, exposure habits and practices, knowledge and understanding of risks. “At-risk” 
sub-population was defined as individuals with a history of melanoma/non melanoma skin cancer, 
pre-cancerous lesions, photodermatosis, or currently on photosensitive or immunosuppressive drugs.

T. PASSERON1, B. DRENO2, S. PUIG3, C.L. GOH4, H.Y. KANG5, F. LY6, A. MORITA7, J. OCAMPO CANDIANI8, S. SCHALKA9, L. WEI10, A.L. DEMESSANT11, C. LE FLOC’H11, D. KEROB11, H.W. LIM12, J. KRUTMANN13
1Department of Dermatology, Côte d’Azur University, Nice University Hospital Center, INSERM U1065, C3M, Nice, France. 2Department of Dermato-Oncology, CIC 1413, CRCINA, Nantes University Hospital Center, Nantes, France.  3Melanoma Unit, Dermatology Department, Barcelona University 
Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. 4National Skin Centre, Singapore. 5Department of Dermatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea. 6Department of Dermatology, Cheikh Anta Diop Dakar University, EPS Institute of Social Hygiene, Dakar, Senegal. 7Department of Geriatric 
and Environmental Dermatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan. 8Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty University Hospital of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico. 9Medcin Skin Research Center and Biochemistry Department, Chemistry Institute 
of Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil. 10Department of Dermatology, The General Hospital of Air Force PLA, Beijing, China. 11La Roche Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique, Levallois, France. 12Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA. 13IUF Leibniz Research 
Institute for Environmental Medicine, Dusseldorf, Germany Medical Faculty,  Heine-University, Dusseldorf, Germany

SUN EXPOSURE AND ASSOCIATED RISKS IN 17 COUNTRIES: 
RESULTS FROM EUROPE COMPARED TO OTHER CONTINENTS

INTRODUCTION : 

METHODS :

Europeans are more likely to perceive the benefits of the sun and tanning appeal. 
Sun-protection practice appears more inadequate in Europe compared to other continents. 
This survey provides insight into the need for additional photoprotection education.

Survey conducted by Ipsos, sponsored by Laboratoire Dermatologique La Roche Posay

CONCLUSION :

The European population comprised 48% men, average age was 47.5 years (SD:15.8) and 54% were of 
phototype 1-2. Non-Europeans countries in comparison were less represented in phototype 1-2 (43%). 82% of 
Europeans stated that a tanned skin looks attractive vs 67% outside of Europe. And 73% of Europeans 
indicated that a tan makes a healthy look, a different perception in non-EU countries (59%). However, 92% of 
Europeans were aware of sun-related skin-health issues, a lower awareness out of Europe (86%). Similarly, 
Europeans were more aware of the skin aging risk (86%) vs non-EU countries (79%).
But only 56% of Europeans did know that sun protection is useful when the weather is overcast, a lower 
knowledge vs non-EU countries (64%). Moreover, 24% of Europeans indicated it was safe to go out without 
protection when already tanned vs 21% outside of Europe. 
In terms of photoprotection, 16% of Europeans said they protected all year round, vs 27% out of Europe. Only 
10% of Europeans systematically/often use all protections measures during exposure vs 14% out of Europe. In 
detail, Europeans were less likely to systematically/often wear a hat/cap (51% in Europe vs 57% out of Europe), 
wear protective clothes (33% vs 51%) or stay in the shade (73% vs 80%). On the other hand, Europeans were 
more likely to systematically/often put sunscreen especially on arms, legs and chest (62%) compared to 
non-Europeans (52%). More generally, 10% of Europeans said they never used sunscreen compared to 16% 
outside of Europe. During sun exposure, among those who applied sunscreen, 34% of Europeans applied 
only once a day, this low f requency habit reached 49% out of Europe. 47% of Europeans regretted not having 
previously used better protection in the past, vs 63% out of Europe. In terms of knowledge, 74% of Europeans 
did not understand the difference between UVA and UVB vs 69% out of Europe.
At-risk Europeans individuals (11%, n=655) had better knowledge and photoprotection habits than the 
overall European population; but only 21% systematically/often used all the protection measures during sun 
exposure and still 58% felt they did not understand the difference between UVA and UVB.

RESULTS : 

35%

Yes, absolutely No, not at allYes, somewhat No, not really I don’t know

Very well Not at allFairly well Not very well I don’t know

Yes, absolutely No, not at allYes, somewhat No, not really I don’t know

EUROPE

REGRETS OF NOT HAVING BETTER PROTECTED  
THEMSELVES FROM THE SUN IN THE PAST

15%

KNOWLEDGE OF THE DIFFERENCE
 BETWEEN UVA AND UVB

15% 12%
3%

30%

21%

42%

5%11%

21%

40%

NOT 
WELL/DK

58%

NOT 
WELL/DK

74%

HOW TANNING IS PERCEIVED

A tanned skin looks attractive

The sun gives you energy

A tan makes a person look healthy

You cannot imaginecoming back 
f rom holidays without being tanned

THE USEFULNESS OF SUN PROTECTION

PHOTOPROTECTION HABITS

I seek to tan with a sun protection

Yes, all year round, whatever the season

Yes, but only on hot and sunny days, 
whether you are on holiday or not

Yes, but only when you are on holiday 
(at the beach, when skiing, etc.)

No, not really

FREQUENCY OF SUNSCREEN APPLICATION

Once a day

Twice a day

Every two hours

Sunscreen with a very high Sun 
Protection Factor (SPF) of 50+ is dedicated

 to people who are particularly at risk

It is safe to go out in the sun without 
protection if you are already tanned

37%

84% 
of people don’t 
protect themselves 
all year long

46% 13% 4%

32% 50% 14% 4%

23% 50% 22% 5%

22% 30% 31% 17%

35% 31% 23% 11%

33% 31% 19% 11% 6%

6% 35%18% 37% 4%

16%

44%

25%

15%

34%

32%

20%

More often 
(after each bath / after sweating) 14%

33% 48% 15% 4%

21% 46% 25% 8%

15% 44% 32% 9%

18% 29% 34% 19%

49%

29%

13%

9%

27%

44%

14%

15%

27% 28% 27% 18%

24% 30% 24% 13% 9%

7% 34%14% 40% 5%

73% 
of people don’t 
protect themselves 
all year long

THE USEFULNESS OF SUN PROTECTION 
ON CLOUDY DAYS

OUTSIDE EUROPE EUROPE

OUTSIDE EUROPE

OUTSIDE EUROPE

EUROPE
EUROPE

Europe (n=6000) : Coverage in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, UK, Russia             Non-European countries (n=11001): Coverage in Asia (China, Japan, Indonesia), North America (USA, Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina), Af rica (South Af rica, Egypt) and Australia.

People using sunscreen even rarely : n=4837 in Europe / n=8597 in non-European countries

 

EUROPEAN AT 
RISK POPULATION(n=655)

44% 
DO NOT THINK OR DON’T KNOW IF A 
PROTECTION IS USEFUL WHEN THE 
WEATHER IS OVERCAST

56%

12%

32%

36% 
DO NOT THINK OR DON’T KNOW IF A 
PROTECTION IS USEFUL WHEN THE 
WEATHER IS OVERCAST

YES
63%

YES
47%