Essex families warned not to consider sun cream a luxury
Experts are warning people of the dangers of cutting back on sun cream amidst the cost of living crisis
Last updated 23rd May 2022
As families across Essex continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, many are being forced to cut back, and buy items viewed as luxuries.
As we found out last week, one thing some families have sacrificed is sun cream, but experts say this is dangerous and will put lives at risk.
Natalie Fisher is a local Dermatology nurse and medical advisor for Melanoma UK. She says sun cream is vital to prevent skin cancers: "We know that the vast majority of skin cancers are caused by UV radiation...
"In the summer months UV-B is prevalent and these UV-B rays cause sun burn, which is why most of us reach for sun cream in the summer months - it's a great tool in protecting you against UV radiation."
She says the news that some families can't afford to buy sun cream is upsetting: "I find it heart-breaking. Obviously the cost of living is going up and some cream isn't always that accessible, although there are some brands out there on the market who are trying to make it accessible for everyone. "
However, Natalie also urges families to reconsider if they can: "Unfortunately, it is something that we do need to try and budget for. It's vital, especially our children.
"We need to be protecting their young skin all year round."
Natalie also welcomed the idea of free sun cream dispensers, as seen in Leigh on Sea, which Greatest Hits Radio Essex reported on last week: "It's brilliant that they're rolling that out.
"I think we need to get it into schools as well - that way we're making it available for families that perhaps otherwise can't budget for it."