At the presentation of the results of the annual survey conducted by the OpinionWay polling institute on behalf of FEBEA regarding the use of suncare products in France, Dr Marina Alexandre-Audaire, a dermatologist at Avicenne Hospital, outlined the basics of how to protect oneself against the health risks posed by UV rays. It was an uncompromising plea for ever-greater protection.
As shown by the 2026 OpinionWay survey for the FEBEA on the use of suncare products, the French seem, on the whole, better informed than they were a few years ago about the risks associated with the sun, and some of their concerns about suncare products appear to be easing; however, in reality, their protective behaviour remains inadequate and is even declining.
“I find this worrying, particularly regarding the decline in sun protection for young children, given that this is a particularly at-risk group and that, in terms of melanoma, a great deal depends on sunburns sustained during childhood,” said Dr Marina Alexandre-Audaire.
A tan: a sign of skin damage
She also said she was struck by how casually young adults and those highly exposed to the sun—such as outdoor workers or athletes, particularly those who go for a run, go running or do trail running in the mountains—tend to treat the risks of sun exposure, without using sun protection.
She also highlighted a misconception: no, a tan should not be seen as a sign of good health or a guarantee of a healthy glow. In fact, the opposite is true: a tan is actually the skin’s defensive …
