Buying sunscreen

Sun protection is a must whether you are staying in the UK or jetting off to sunnier climes.

What to look for when buying sunscreen

Ensure it has both UVA and UVB protection.

Sunscreens in the UK are labelled with an “SPF" (sun protection factor), a measurement for the amount of UVB protection.

UVA protection is denoted by a circular UVA logo. According to the EU recommendation, the UVA protection for each sunscreen should be at least a third of the labelled SPF.

You may also see the “star” system. Sunscreens can have anywhere from 0 to 5 stars. Boots use this.

The British Association of Dermatologists points out  that if you opt for a low SPF, it may have a high level of stars, not because it is providing lots of UVA protection, but because the ratio between the UVA and UVB protection is about the same.

Stay out of the sun between 11am - 3pm

What SPF should you use?

The British Association of Dermatologists recommends using a high protection SPF 30+ to take into account that most of us don’t apply sunscreen generously enough.

An SPF15 sunscreen filters out, according to Cancer Research UK, 93 per cent of UVB radiation. An SPF30 sunscreen filters out 96 per cent. 

I asked Dr Bav Shergill, consultant dermatologist what he personally uses and he told me SPF50, which filters out about 98 per cent. No sunscreen will filter out 100 per cent.

Know your skin type

The lighter your skin, the more careful you should be. Even those with dark skin may burn in hot, strong sunlight.

Moisturiser or sunscreen?

Your everyday moisturiser may not contain UVA protection or be water resistant. You also tend to put less on than you would a sunscreen so you might not be getting adequate protection.

Sunscreen should go on after your moisturiser (which needs to dry first) before applying your make-up. Using powder rather than cream means you are less likely to rub the sunscreen off.

Application

Use at least the equivalent of six tablespoons to cover your body. Don’t forget the ears, temples, chest, back and sides of the neck and feet – if uncovered.

Apply 15 to 30 minutes to clean, dry skin before exposing yourself to the sun and reapply all sunscreens every couple of hours – whatever it states on the label – more if you are sweating and after swimming.

Which brand of sunscreen?

All sunscreens have to comply with EU regulations, so it's fine to buy a cheaper cream as long as you use it thickly and frequently. It’s the level of protection it offers that is important.

These are ones that I have tried and liked.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Protection Lotion SPF50, £19.29
Free from fragrance, parabens and artificial colours. This lovely light lotion, is a good combination of high SPFs with photostable UVA  as well as protection against the longer wavelengths of UVA. 

La Roche-Posay  Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Dry touch, £16.50
It has a lovely texture that absorbs immediately into the skin without leaving shine or white marks. It is non-perfumed and is paraben-free. Contains Mexoplex, which the company claims, guarantees "a very high level of protection against UVA and UVB rays."

Boots Soltan Sensitive 50+, £10.99
Another good one for sensitive skin. Has five-star UVA protection and helps protect against prickly sun allergy.

Clinique  SPF 40 body cream, £18.50
Uses SolarSmart technology that stabilizes high-level protection against UVA and UVB rays. Also good for sensitive skins.

Crème de la Mer The Reparative Face Lotion SPF 30, £85
Part of the new Soleil de la Mer collection, this high-performance cocktail of goodies is ideal for daily use on the face, neck and décolleté. It offers both UVA and UVB protection as well as being nourishing and nurturing.

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream for Face, SPF 50+, £18
A lightweight lotion that moisturises and protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Use daily. Great on face, neck and décolleté.

Sisley Super Stick Solaire, SPF 30, £67.50
Perfect for keeping in your handbag, this little gem contains UVA and UVB mineral screens. Use on lips, cheeks, nose, eye contours and ears. Comes in colourless or tinted to moisturise and protect rays. Again carries the UVA symbol.

Nivea Sun Protect Lip Balm, SPF 30, £3.29
If you are always reapplying balm to your lips, try this one. It is water resistant and offers both UVA and UVB protection.

How long can you keep sunscreen?

If a product has a shelf life of less than 30 months, you should see an “open jar” symbol on it. The period marked with a letter “M” is the amount of time that you can use the sunscreen once it has been opened.

Staying safe in the sun

Here are some tips for staying safe in the sun – home and abroad.

Wear sunscreen when you are sitting near a window or in a car as UVA rays can penetrate. Remember that sand, water and concrete can also reflect UV radiation, increasing the levels you absorb.

Wear wide-rimmed hats, sunglasses with good UV protection (look for the CE marking) and clothing which is thick enough that when you hold it up to the sun, it doesn’t shine through.

Stay out of the sun from 11am- 3pm – the hours may vary depending where in the world you are. The rule of thumb is: when your shadow is shorter than you, the UV rays are strong, and you are more likely to burn.

Avoid sunbeds.

By Daralyn Danns