Sunscreens


Sunscreens

This article will be focused mainly on Sunscreens. Advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety in the UK and abroad.

Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn, even when it is cloudy.

There is no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.

Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Sun safety tips

  • Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. This is between 11 am and 3 pm in the UK from March to October.

Make sure you:

  • spend time in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm
  • make sure you never burn
  • cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
  • take extra care of children
  • use at least factor 30 sunscreen
  • What factor sunscreen (SPF) should I use?
  • Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Please wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun is at its hottest.

When buying sunscreen, the label should have:

  • A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB, with at least 4-star UVA protection
  • UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters “UVA” in a circle, which means it meets the EU standard.
  • Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years.
  • Do not spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen.
  • What are the SPF and star ratings?
  • The sun protection factor, or SPF, measures the amount of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection.
  • SPFs are rated on a scale of 2 to 50+ based on the level of protection they offer, with 50+ submitting the most potent form of UVB protection.
  • The star rating measures ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection. You should see a star rating of up to 5 stars on UK sunscreens. The higher the star rating, the better.
  • The letters “UVA” inside a circle is a European marking. This means the UVA protection is at least a third of the SPF value and meets EU recommendations.
  • Sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection are sometimes called broad spectrum.

How to apply sunscreen

  • Most people do not apply enough sunscreen.
  • As a guide, adults should aim to apply around:
  • Two teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re covering your head, arms and neck
  • Two tablespoons if you’re protecting your entire body while wearing a swimming costume
  • If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced.
  • And if you’re worried you might not spread enough SPF30, you could use sunscreen with a higher SPF.
  • If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen needs to be applied twice:
  • 30 minutes before going out
  • just before going out
  • Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, ears, and head if you have thinning or no hair, but a wide-brimmed hat is better.
  • Sunscreen must be reapplied liberally and frequently according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • This includes applying it straight after you have been in wthethe later, even if it’s “water resistant”, and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off.
  • It’s also recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, as the sun can dry off your skin.

Swimming and sunscreen

  • Water washes sunscreen off, and the cooling effect of the water can make you think you’re not getting burned. Water also reflects ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing your exposure.
  • Use a water-resistant sunscreen if it’s likely you’ll likely sweat or have contact with water.
  • Sunscreen should be reapplied straight after you have been in the water, even if it’s “water resistant”, and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off.

Children and sun protection

  • Take extra care to protect babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life.
  • Children under six months should be kept out of direct strong, intense, immediate fro, natural, robust and harsh sunlight.
  • From March to October in the UK, children should:
  • cover up with suitable clothing
  • spend time in the shade, particularly from 11 am to 3 pm
  • wear at least SPF30 sunscreen
  • Apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands.
  • All children under five are advised to take vitamin D supplements to ensure they get enough vitamin D.

Protect your eyes in the sun

  • A day at the beach without proper eye protection can cause a temporary but painful burn to the eye’s surface, like sunburn.
  • Reflected sunlight from snow, sand, concrete and water, and artificial light from sunbeds, is particularly dangerous.
  • Avoid looking directly at the sun, as this can cause permanent eye damage.
  • Clothing and sunglasses
  • Wear clothes and sunglasses that provide sun protection, such as:
  • a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears
  • a long-sleeved top
  • trousers or long skirts in close-weave fabrics that do not allow sunlight through
  • sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms with the CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E

How to deal with sunburn

  • Sponge sore skin with cool water, then apply soothing after sunscreen or spray, like aloe vera.
  • Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will ease the pain by helping to reduce inflammation caused by sunburn.
  • Stay out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone.

How to choose the best sunscreen for you

  • It’s all about the SPF, which stands for ‘sun protection factor.
  • A product’s SPF rating indicates the level of protection it provides against ultraviolet B radiation (UVB), which is the leading cause of sunburn.
  • The scale runs from two to 50+, the latter being the strongest, most potent form of UVB protection.
  • To put that into context, SPF15 sunscreen blocks around 93% of UVB radiation, while SPF50+ blocks around 98%. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends you use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

What’s the difference between UVB and UVA rays? 

  • The sun emits two types of ultraviolet radiation.
  • UVA affects the skin’s elastin, leading to wrinkles and premature ageing (although it’s also linked to developing skin cancers).
  • UVB is responsible for sunburn and can also increase the risk of skin cancers.
  • Certain sunscreens carry a UVA star rating from zero to five, which indicates how much UVA radiation they absorb relative to UVB radiation.
  • Don’t be alarmed if there isn’t a number on the bottle, though: the rating system was devised and is owned by Boots, so not all brands carry it.

Examples of best sunscreens

NIVEA SUN Protect and Moisture Spray SPF30

Even when protected, avoid over-exposure to the sun as it is a severe health threat.

The skin compatibility of this sunscreen has been dermatologically proven.

NIVEA Sun cares for your skin and the planet: the new and improved formula is biodegradable. It respects the ocean by being free from UV filters Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene and free microplastic.

Protect the whole family with our Kids and UV Face Range too!

To complete your summer care routine, try our After Sun range.

Application information: Apply generously before sun exposure to give a visible layer before rubbing in.

Allow lotion to absorb completely. Reapply to ensure adequate coverage and no missed areas before going outside.

Reapply frequently, especially after swimming, perspiring, and drying.

Avoid over-exposure even when protected as it is a severe health threat.

Product Benefits:

  • Immediately protects against sunburn and premature skin ageing
  • Highly effective UVA and UVB protection
  • Provides 48H skin moisture
  • Quick absorption Sunscreen
  • Readily biodegradable and water-resistant formula.

REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen

Clean Screen face sunscreen for sensitive skin is your daily protection against sun damage, sunburns, and the ageing effects of sun exposure.

The mattifying face sunscreen formula contains 22% non-nano Zinc to protect, Rice Starch to help stop shine, and Passion Fruit Seed Extract to boost antioxidants that defend against free radical damage.

UV rays cause premature ageing, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and leathering.

Our 22% zinc oxide mineral sunscreen (SPF30) offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, which reduces the sun damage that causes premature ageing, along with protection from blue light.

Made from 99% natural ingredients, we have added Yellow Passion Fruit to the sunscreen for the face and neck as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against pollution and potential irritation flare-ups.

The cream also contains Rice Extract, which not only soothes reddened skin but gives a mattifying finish to combat sun-induced shine and excess oil.

The Zinc Oxide sunscreen keeps you matte and fresh while creating the perfect base for makeup.

SPF Just Met Its Matte Easy to use, Clean Screen facial sunscreen is best applied on freshly hydrated skin, ideally right after moisturiser.

RoC Soleil Protect Moisturising Spray Lotion SPF 30

Ensures high sun protection whilst maintaining your skin’s natural moisture.

A non-greasy, velvety texture that leaves no white residue.

Apply generously and evenly before sun exposure.

A reduced quantity lowers the protection level significantly. Reapply frequently, especially after sweating, swimming, or using a towel.

Avoid midday sun and stay in the sun too long even if using sun protection.

Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight.

Combat the appearance of existing signs of sun damage while protecting against future damage with these UVA/UVB protecting moisturisers.

ALTRUIST. Dermatologist Sunscreen SPF 50 – Superior 5-star UVA protection

ALTRUIST Dermatologist Sunscreen was initiated by Dr Andrew Birnie, a Consultant Dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon based in Canterbury, in partnership with some of the best formulation scientists in Europe to provide premium quality sunscreen at an affordable price through reducing profit margins.

  • Very high protection without leaving a white appearance on the skin
  • Suitable for people on acne treatments
  • For daily use on face

Dermatologically tested for both efficacy of sun protection and minimising the potential for allergy or irritancy.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Hydrating Shea Butter Sun Protection sunscreen SPF30

Garnier Ambre Solaire Hydra 24-Hour Sun Protection Lotion SPF 30 provides high protection against sun-induced skin damage and sunburn.

Enriched with sustainably sourced shea butter, known for its soothing properties, this ultra-hydrating formula helps to protect against the drying effects of the sun.

Skin is left feeling soft and hydrated for up to 24 hours.

The moisturising lotion conforms 100% to European recommendations for protection against the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.

This water-resistant sunscreen offers advanced protection against immediate sun-induced skin damage caused by UVB rays and protection from long-term damage and premature skin ageing caused by UVA rays.

The British Skin Foundation recognises Garnier’s suncare research.

NIVEA SUN Kids Swim & Play // Ultra Protect & Play SPF 50+ Lotion (150ml)

NIVEA SUN Kids Ultra Protect & Play SPF 50+ Lotion provides instant and effective SPF 50+ protection against sunburn and long-term sun-induced skin damage.

Specially designed for children on the go, the caring formula is extra water- and sand-resistant and is made with Dexpanthenol to support the skin’s natural protective barrier.

The sunscreensSPF 50+ formula for children’s delicate skin helps reduce the risk of sun-induced irritations and offers 5-star UVA protection making it ideal for taking to the beach and park.

NIVEA SUN cares for the skin and the planet with its 76% biodegradable formula free from UV filters, octinoxate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, and microplastic.

Protect the whole family with NIVEA SUN’s Adults and UV Face Range too! Try NIVEA’s After Sun range to complete this year’s summer care routine.

Application information: Apply the sunscreens liberally over all exposed areas of the skin, making sure to cover the ears, face, neck and other hard-to-reach areas.

Rub in thoroughly and let the cream dry.

Reapply frequently, especially after swimming, perspiring, or towelling. Even when protected, avoid over-exposure to the sun as it is a serious health threat.

The skin compatibility of this sunscreens has been dermatologically and paediatrically proven.

Product Benefits:

  • Effective UVB and five-star UVA protection
  • Extra water- and sand-resistant
  • Made with Dexpanthenol
  • SPF 50+
  • Dermatologically and paediatrically approved

Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF30, 200ml

Piz Buin SPF 30 high protection in the sun moisturising sun lotion with advanced UVA/UVB filters helps to protect the skin from the sun.

Enriched with a strong anti-oxidant to help prevent sun-induced premature skin ageing.

The non-greasy, non-sticky formula intensely moisturises your skin, leaving it smooth and silky soft.

  • Non-greasy, non-sticky formula
  • Easy to apply
  • Sweat and water resistant
  • A life span of 12 months once opened

These are the most commonly used sunscreens.

Conclusion:

  • There’s no excuse not to give your skin the protection it needs. Read on for our tried-and-true, favourite body sunscreens. (We’d go so far as to say that these could make you look forward to applying SPF). So this was our picks for you in sunscreens and the benefit of each of them. Sunscreens will help!

Read More:

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