As Britain braces for a heatwave this week, a leading GP has warned that common sun cream mistakes could be putting people at serious risk of skin damage and "deadly cancers".

Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has identified several widespread errors in sun protection that many Britons make during hot weather.

"With the UK experiencing some incredible weather, it's crucial that Britons understand how to safely apply sun cream to avoid long-term skin damage," Dr Grant said.

He cautioned that prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays increases the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and premature ageing.

Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays increases the risk of sunburn

One of the most frequent errors is applying too little sun cream, leaving skin inadequately protected.

"Without the correct amount, people are leaving their skin inadequately protected, running the risk of sunburn or deadly cancers," Dr Grant explained.

"Typically, people will need around two full tablespoons to substantially cover the entire body while enjoying the sun this spring and summer."

Equally problematic is the failure to reapply protection throughout the day. "Many apply product before leaving the house, not realising that over time, it can quickly wear off through sweat or just generally over time," he noted.

Dr Grant recommends reapplying every two hours to ensure adequate protection from UV rays. People should also reapply after entering water, ensuring complete body coverage each time.

Another significant concern is the use of expired sun cream. "Before applying sun cream, it's important to check expiry dates, as the ingredients can go off over time, limiting their ability to protect from the sun's UV rays," Dr Grant warned.

He stressed that expired products offer minimal protection and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Many people also mistakenly believe sun cream is only necessary in sunny conditions. "The sun's UV rays still pose a risk in cloudy weather," Dr Grant explained, recommending daily sun cream use regardless of conditions.

However, excessive application can backfire through 'SPF piling', where product layers clump together and flake off, eliminating protection entirely.

Common sun cream application mistakes could be putting Britons at risk

Dr Grant emphasised that proper sun protection requires consistent attention to detail.

"By taking time to apply properly, reapplying wherever necessary and wearing it each day, people can avoid common sun cream mistakes which could be increasing their cancer risk or leading to premature ageing," he said.

His key recommendations include using two tablespoons of sun cream for full body coverage, reapplying every two hours, checking expiry dates before use, and wearing protection daily regardless of weather conditions.

Avoiding excessive application is equally important to prevent SPF piling, which can leave skin completely unprotected when the product flakes off.