That Bergasol moment: What living on the Costa del Sol taught me about sun safety

Many of us who chose to make a life under the Spanish sun were first enticed by the radiant, golden landscapes popularised by classic travel broadcasting. Yet, swapping endless grey skies for the abundance of the Costa del Sol comes with a steep learning curve: understanding that our skin requires lifelong protection. From the nostalgic allure of 1970s tanning oils to the modern realities of UV radiation, finding the right sun safety routine is the ultimate key to enjoying paradise responsibly.

Many years ago, I hosted Judith Chalmers at a fundraising event, and I remember thinking how remarkably tanned she looked. Readers will know that she recently passed away after an outstanding broadcasting career and is perhaps best remembered for the popular ITV programme Wish You Were Here…?. Speaking to the press, her son Mark revealed that his affectionate nickname for her was sometimes “Satsuma.”

It is entirely possible that many people who eventually settled in this part of the world were first introduced to the Costa del Sol through Judith Chalmers. For those moving here, it can take time to become accustomed to the abundance of sunshine. Anyone raised under endless grey, overcast skies will understand the instinctive urge to rush outdoors and make the most of the sun whenever it appears.

More challenging, however, is learning that our skin requires protection from prolonged exposure. It is not something that necessarily comes naturally to us. In the UK alone, around 20,000 new cases of melanoma – a serious form of skin cancer – are diagnosed each year, and those numbers are expected to rise.

Navigating the confusion of the sunscreen aisle

Most people understand the importance of using sunscreen, yet walking into any pharmacy or high street retailer presents an overwhelming array of products. Beyond the sheer number available, each one claims different benefits. Labels are filled with a confusing combination of science, pseudo-science, numbers and abbreviations, enough to bewilder even the most conscientious consumer.

The essential point, however, is that sunscreen is both safe and effective, although not all sunscreens are created equal. Modern marketing can easily leave consumers confused.

Did you know? Within the EU, sunscreens fall under cosmetic regulations. This allows product innovation to move much faster than in the United States, where sunscreens are regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and require a different approval process. As a result, sunscreens available in Europe are often more advanced than their American counterparts.

The invisible threat: UVA vs. UVB radiation

Warm weather naturally relaxes us, and most people enjoy the sensation of sunshine on their skin. Yet sunlight is not simply heat; it also contains ultraviolet radiation, which is what we must guard against. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can penetrate the skin and directly damage our cells.

To protect ourselves effectively, we need to understand the two types of radiation hitting our skin:

• UVA radiation: Penetrates deeply, contributing to wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and premature ageing.
• UVB radiation: Damages cellular DNA directly, causing sunburns, mutations, and significantly increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Long before the dangers of UV radiation were scientifically understood, our ancestors recognised that excessive sun exposure carried risks. Historical accounts describe the use of plant oils, natural extracts, muds and minerals in attempts to shield the skin. Today, modern chemistry has provided us with both chemical and mineral filters capable of effectively blocking these harmful UV rays.

Cracking the SPF code on the Costa del Sol

So, what should we look for when purchasing sunscreen? SPF – or Sun Protection Factor – remains the key indicator. The higher the SPF number, the greater the level of UVB protection.

However, before reaching automatically for the highest number available, it is worth considering how and where you will be exposed to the sun. The Costa del Sol experiences particularly high UV levels from May through to the end of August. Interestingly, “solar noon” here does not occur at midday at all – despite the old “mad dogs and Englishmen” expression – but closer to 2:30pm. Timing therefore matters greatly, as does location. Spending a day aboard a yacht, for example, significantly increases exposure due to sunlight reflecting off the water.

SPF ratings themselves can also be surprisingly misleading to the average consumer:

• SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of UVB rays.
• SPF 30 increases that protection to around 97%.
• SPF 50 blocks approximately 98%.

In practical terms, even SPF 15 provides excellent protection – provided it is applied correctly and consistently. Additionally, UV radiation can severely damage the eyes and may contribute to conditions such as cataracts, making high-quality sunglasses just as vital. Furthermore, if you are constantly in and out of the water, much of your sunscreen protection will inevitably wash away, requiring regular reapplication.

Nostalgia, Bergasol, and lessons learned

Creams, oils, sprays and foams are all available, and personal preference plays an important role. Some readers may remember Bergasol Oil, which became hugely popular in the late 1970s. Even today, the scent of bergamot instantly transports me back to those carefree interrail days when a student could travel across Europe for an entire month on just £27 with a valid student card.

I vividly recall buying Bergasol Factor Zero in St Tropez. Of course, I should have known better – far better – but UV radiation is invisible, the oil left the skin feeling soft and moisturised, and the fragrance was irresistible.

Nowadays, slightly older and hopefully wiser, I prefer creams that do not ruin everything they touch, along with sprays for those difficult-to-reach areas. Whatever works best for you is ultimately the right choice.

Dispelling the myth of the “base tan”

It is never too late to start using sunscreen. Contrary to popular belief, developing a tan over the years does not provide meaningful protection. Nobody possesses immunity to skin cancer.

In reality, a tan is visible evidence of DNA damage. Although melanin – the pigment responsible for tanning – does provide some natural defence, it equates to an SPF of only around 2 or 3.

We are incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful and sunny part of the world, and we warmly welcome tourists who come to enjoy it. Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy, and in response, some local authorities have begun installing UV warning systems on beaches. In addition, Euro Weekly News now provides a dedicated Spain Weather section featuring real-time alerts. These initiatives are valuable steps towards encouraging healthier attitudes to sun exposure.

Protecting future generations

Many of us grew up during the Bergasol era, when skin cancer was viewed as something that happened to other people. We now know better. Although life choices and my career meant I never had children, if I had, I would have encouraged them to use sunscreen from an early age. More importantly, as soon as they were capable of applying it themselves, I would have made it a routine habit – as natural as instinctively reaching for a mobile phone at every opportunity. Our climate is changing, and we must prepare future generations using the knowledge and experience we now possess.

As for that infamous interrail card, in addition to exploring Europe sin teléfono móvil, it also provided me with a thorough, immersive and highly experiential education in the effects of sleep deprivation within an international context – something my university rather neglected to include in the syllabus.

The information provided in this column is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your own physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dr Marcus Stephan