Boots feels heat over ‘wear suncream inside’ advice

last week’s heatwave and a scorching spring, you might have thought shops needed little help selling suncream.

But in a move seemingly designed to boost demand still further, Boots is now advising people to wear it indoors, too.

Next to a picture of its own-brand Factor 30 Soltan suncream, the high street chemist posted a Facebook message saying: ‘Did you know UVA rays can get through windows and clouds? Wear sun cream indoors to protect your skin.’

But what Boots described as ‘great advice’ has been dismissed by leading dermatologists – and has earned ridicule online, with customers accusing the chain of ‘shamelessly’ trying to increase profits.

One Facebook user commented: ‘What a stupid advert... I am not applying sun cream to sit in my lounge and watch Loose Women thank you very much!’

Another sarcastically quipped: ‘Remember the UVA rays will bounce off the moon and come through your windows at night. Always wear in bed as well.’

Professor Brian Diffey of the British Association of Dermatologists said that in most cases there is no need for people to wear sunscreen indoors.

‘The UVB waveband is largely responsible for sunburn and is strongly associated with the risk of skin cancer,’ he explained. ‘UVA is associated with skin ageing, and, to a lesser extent, skin cancer. Window glass blocks UVB rays but allows most UVA rays to pass through, whilst the laminated glass on car windscreens blocks virtually all UV rays.

‘There is rarely any need to wear sunscreen sitting by a window or when in a car, unless you are abnormally sensitive to sunlight.’

Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP and clinical lead at Treated.com, added: ‘It is possible to get sunburned indoors if you’re in a conservatory or greenhouse, or sat next to an open window for long periods. Otherwise, it’s very unlikely if you’re indoors.’ But skincare expert Dr Rekha Tailor said people could wear sun cream indoors if concerned about their skin ageing, adding: ‘By wearing a high-factor lotion at all times, you’re providing your skin with the best barrier against damage.’

A Boots spokesman said: ‘Applying a sunscreen can help to protect your skin indoors if you are sitting close to a window or in direct sunlight whilst at home or in the car.

‘We’ve updated the Facebook post to clarify this advice.’