Ban low-factor suncreams, experts say

London: Suncreams below factor 15 should be banned, health experts said. With skin cancer levels on the rise, they fear that products offering lower protection are giving users the false reassurance that they are safe.

The government should also scrap value added tax on creams with higher factors to ensure they were affordable, experts said.

Cases of skin cancer have been rising faster than any other form of cancer in the UK over the past 20 years. The deadliest form, malignant melanoma, now claims more lives in the UK than in Australia.

At present, 57 per cent of people never use sunscreen in Britain, while 60 per cent of those who do use it buy products with a Sun Protection Factor below 15.

Dr John Ashworth, a consultant dermatologist, said a radical shift in government health policy was required.

"I think anything less than factor 15 is worthless," he said. "If you have only got a tiny bit on, and it's a really hot day then the little protection it does give you will be quickly sweated off."