Worrying new data has revealed that a high 85%[1] of women go out without sunscreen, even when it’s warm. The research, conducted by Hada Labo Tokyo[2] -the number one skincare brand in Japan – has also found that 69% of women only put sunscreen on their body during warm, sunny days, neglecting their face.
This is despite the fact that 91% of women correctly believe that the sun can cause skin damage and 88% think that skin damage and skin ageing are connected. Plus, eight in ten (79%) are concerned about the sun’s impact on ageing their skin.
Speaking of the alarming data collected by Hada Labo Tokyo, GP and Medical Broadcaster, Dr Hilary Jones says it’s a cause for concern. “We live in an age where every year, come summer, we’re reminded of the need to wear sunscreen. The sun does provide health benefits yes, such as helping provide the body with vitamin D, but it can also cause skin cancer and it has a huge impact on skin ageing. Ultraviolet (UV) rays have been shown to damage skin, and areas that are exposed more frequently such as the face, hands and feet, often age more rapidly than other parts of the body.[3]”
Plus, it doesn’t need to be sunny for the sun to cause skin damage. “Sun damage can occur when it’s overcast; even on a warm, cloudy day, you should be wearing sunscreen. You should also be alert to the risk of reflected radiation. Sadly, only 35% of women feel it’s only necessary to wear sunscreen when it’s really hot and sunny,” says Dr Hilary Jones.
“Either there’s a lack of knowledge around sunscreen or it’s ignorance as we assume that the sun won’t actually do any damage,” adds Dr Hilary Jones.
The latest Hada Labo real world data confirms that it is indeed likely to be a lack of education around sunscreen as nine in ten women believe that more information should be available regarding why sunscreen needs to be used.
What’s more, 45% do not know the difference between UVA and UVB rays. GP, skin specialist and a member of the Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Care Panel, Dr Nisa Aslam says: “UVA radiation accounts for 95% of the sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface and this is the one which triggers the damage associated with tanning. UVA radiation also damages collagen and elastin in the skin, which accelerates the signs of ageing.[4] UVB radiation can’t penetrate as deeply as UVA, but it can cause serious damage to the skin’s upper layers, and trigger the DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.”
Ideally, sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB and have an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 50.[5]
Achieving a golden glow is also a factor which is causing women to skip the sunscreen.
Dr Nisa Aslam adds: “A tan is seen as healthy yet there’s no such thing as healthy UV tanning[6] as too much UV radiation damages the DNA in our skin cells. However, the Hada Labo Tokyo data has found that 57% of the females polled have skipped sunscreen in the hope of getting a better tan. You can still tan through sunscreen, however what many people aren’t addressing is how important will their tan be in five, 10, 15 or 20 years when their skin has aged considerably due to too much time in the sun.”
Discussing how we can reduce the impact that the sun has on our skin, Dr Nisa Aslam says: “Ultimately, avoiding the sun is the best thing you can do. But only a third (32%) of women actively avoid the sun. Plus, avoiding the sun isn’t always easy, so a high SPF sunscreen that also contains nourishing skin-supporting ingredients, is essential. As the Hada Labo data shows, 85% of the women polled believe that the sun causes skin dehydration yet only 41% think about hydrating their skin more during summer.”
The launch of Hada Labo’s new sunscreen range is set to revolutionise skincare in the sun. Honey Ross, screenwriter and podcaster says: “We need to care for our skin; we can’t replace it. Yet the sun is going nowhere and many of us still want to enjoy the sunshine and warmth of summer.”
Hada Labo Tokyo’s two sunscreens are super-light and easy to apply and combine SPF 50 sun protection with super-hydrating hyaluronic acid. Both the New Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen Face CreamSPF 50 and the New Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen Sun Lotion SPF 50 have three different UV filters provide proven protection against both UVA and UVB via physical and biochemical modes of action. The anti-ageing ingredients include three forms of hyaluronic acid:
- Sodium Hyaluronate — a water-binding hydration hero which helps replenish moisture lost from the outer-most layer of skin. Each molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
- Super Hyaluronic Acid — also known as sodium acetylated hyaluronate, which was developed to increase affinity with the skin and lock in moisture to provide prolonged hydration.
- Nano Hyaluronic Acid — also known as hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, is made up of even smaller molecules, to maximise moisture retention deep within the epidermis and help combat wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
In addition to the HAs, Hada Labo Tokyo’s two sunscreens also include:
- Squalane — a moisturising lipid, which is found in human sebum, helps to repair the skin barrier, boosts collagen and counteracts wrinkles.
- Panthenol — an antioxidant and lubricant derived from vitamin B5 which enhances the appearance and feel of the skin.
With proven science using the very latest skincare health and wellness innovation sitting at the heart of Hada Labo Tokyo, the new sunscreen range is backed by clinical trial data. Here’s a fast summary:
Hada Labo Tokyo – Clinical Trial Data
A dermatologist-controlled clinical trial recruited women and men aged from 23 to 68. Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen: Sun Lotion SPF 50 wasput to the test to use the product in a range of real-world settings, including sun-bathing, for 28 days. Participant scores on usability were combined with laboratory tests to monitor skin changes.[7]
Key findings included:
100% of trial participants agreed the sunscreen:
- Provides a long-lasting and strong moisturising effect
- Is easy and pleasant to apply
- Can be worn under make-up (100% of women)
- Doesn’t leave white streaks
- Sand does not stick to the cream on application
- 96% said it was quickly and completely absorbed
- 92% reported it regenerates skin and had a light, non-greasy formula
- 88% said it left skin dry to the touch and looking matt
- 84% confirmed it had firmed their skin
- 64% said small wrinkles were less visible.
Before and after assessments of skin hydration via a Corneometer — a clinically recognised precision tool used to measure moisture in the epidermis — showed:
- An average 14% increase in skin hydration in 28 days[8]
- A 23% increase in skin moisture in one super-responder participant[9]
Analysis of wrinkles using a Primos 3D Lite showed:
- 100% of participants had fewer wrinkles overall
- Average reduction in wrinkle count was 14%
- Length of wrinkles was reduced in 90% of participants
- Average reduction in wrinkle length of 4%
- Depth of wrinkles reduced in 70% of participants
- Average reduction in wrinkle depth: 3%
- Wrinkle area reduction in 100% of participants, with average of 5% less.
INTRODUCING HADA LABO TOKYO’S SUN-CARE COLLECTION SKIN SAVIOURS:
NEW Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen: Face Cream SPF 50
This Hada Labo Tokyo sunscreen for the face is a light cream with an SPF 50, providing the highest protection against sun rays and includes the must have anti-ageing ingredients – Sodium Hyaluronate, Super Hyaluronic Acid and Nano Hyaluronic Acid. Dr Nisa Aslam notes: “This sunscreen uses top-quality, photostable filters to shield the skin against harmful UVA and UVB radiation which can be the main cause of skin spots or discolourations. It also includes Panthenol, which helps to regenerate collagen and elastin, while the Hada Labo Tokyo signature ingredient, Super Hyaluronic Acid, is intensely moisturising, ensuring the skin is very well hydrated.”
RRP: £16.95
New Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Sunscreen: Sun Lotion SPF 50
Featuring all the incredible benefits of the exclusive face cream, as well as protection from sun damage and signs of ageing, the new Hada Labo SPF 50 Sun Lotion makes sunny days a breeze. A dry-touch consistency, delivered in a quick-absorbing and non-greasy formula makes the lotion a dream to apply — even on wet skin and has an SPF 50.
Dr Nisa Aslam adds: “As 47% of women find that sunscreen makes their skin feel greasy, the Hada Labo suncare range ensures that women will actually want to apply sunscreen.”
The new Hada Labo Tokyo Sun Lotion guarantees the highest protection against sun rays. This is thanks to the skin scientists at Hada Labo Tokyo bottling up the very latest clinically proven quality, photostable filters to shield the skin against harmful UVA and UVB radiation. And to hydrate the skin thoroughly, vital for when in the sun, the New Hada Labo Tokyo Water-Resistant Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50 contains three intensively moisturising Super Hyaluronic Acid ingredients to help prolong skin hydration needs and bust ageing in the sun. In addition, the new Hada Labo sun lotion includes the regenerating Panthenol, and rebuilding anti-ageing ingredients – Collagen and Elastin. RRP: £18.95
Last Word
Dr Hilary Jones adds: “We need to start caring for our skin, the body’s biggest organ. The sun can have a big impact on our skin, and it doesn’t need to be a sunny day for damage to be caused by UV rays. Although avoiding the sun altogether is the best way to avoid damage, when you are in the sun, or simply out and about on an overcast day, making sure you use products that give your skin the best chance of staying protected and stalling the signs of ageing, is key.”
[1] Perspectus Global omnibus survey of 1010 women aged 18 to 55, conducted in May 2024.
[2] Perspectus Global omnibus survey of 1010 women aged 18 to 55, conducted in May 2024.
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
[4]https://www.mdanderson.org/
[5]https://www.
[6]https://www.
[7]Data on file
[8] 40.8 before, 46.5 after, difference of 5.7. 100 divided by 100 x 5.7 = 13.9, rounded to 14% or