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Explained: How to pick out the right sunscreen
If you're going out in the sunshine, it's crucially important to have the right suncream protection. Not only does it help protect you against sunburn and skin cancer, but it can also help your skin as you age.
Some of the UK's most popular sunscreens have failed safety tests in the past, offering far less protection than promised.
Here's how to make sure you have the best protection...
Choose a suncream with "broad spectrum" protection - this means it will protect against the two main types of UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight - UVA and UVB.
While UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancers, UVA rays can also contribute to skin cancer and premature ageing.
You should also pick a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. The SPF number tells you how well the suncream protects against UVB rays.
What is the star rating?
While the SPF rating will tell you how well a suncream protects against UVB, star ratings are the indicator for UVA protection.
You should look for a high star rating of four or five stars, according to Cancer Research UK, or "UVA" in a circle, which indicates it meets the EU's minimum standard.
Cancer Research UK's tips for applying sunscreen:
Use a lotion, pump-spray or roll-on over an aerosol, as the coverage from aerosols can be patchy and thin;
Put enough on, applying sunscreen evenly and thickly;
Reapply regularly, even if your sunscreen says it's "once a day" or "water resistant";
Don't rely on SPF in moisturiser or make-up, as often these products don't give enough protection on their own;
Check the expiry date on your sunscreen to make sure it's still providing protection.
For more on sunscreen and how to pick what's best for you, click on the link below...
