Sunscreen sales dip as tourism grinds to a halt
Sunscreen isn't just for vacations.
Beiersdorf, the German maker of the Nivea personal care line, is experiencing a drop in sunscreen sales due to a near shutdown of the global tourism industry due to COVID-19.
Beiersdorf is reporting a 36 per cent reduction in sales of its La Prairie premium skincare brand and sun care products, Reuters reports.
Meanwhile, the company is reporting an uptick in sales of handwash and hand creams -- likely due to health officials recommending frequent handwashing as an effective means of combatting the virus.
STAYING AT HOME DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN SKIP THE SUNSCREEN
COVID-19 may prevent people from hopping on a plane and heading to a tropical destination, but that doesn't mean people should be skipping sunscreen.
May is skin cancer awareness month, an initiative designed to spread awareness about one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
According to skincancer.org, more than 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. alone each year -- and upwards of 90 per cent of those cases are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) suggests wearing sunscreen any day you will be outside for an extended period, regardless of the season or the number of clouds in the sky.
"Whatever the weather or season, UV rays are always there," CCS says on its website.
"Even if you can’t see the sun, UV rays can pass through the clouds. And in the winter, the sun’s rays reflect off the bright surface of the snow."
VIDEO: HOW MUCH SPF DO YOU NEED?
OTHER SUN CARE TIPS
Here are some more sunscreen tips, courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Society:
Health experts say finding the right sunscreen is important. SPF 15 blocks 93 per cent of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97 per cent and SPF 50 blocks 98 per cent.
Remember to look for a sunscreen that offers "broad-spectrum protection." This will protect against UVA rays, which can cause cancer and wrinkles.
Wear a hat, protective clothing, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak times.
Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, and sooner if you have been swimming or sweating.
