5 things you need to know about sun cream

You’ve booked a holiday and you’re ready to start shopping for all the essentials – new bikini, check, sun hat, check, sunglasses, check; and here are 5 things you need to know about sun cream so you can be sure you’ve packed the right one of those, too.

1 It’s a year-round thing

UV rays have the same intensity during daylight hours the whole year round, so even if you’re in a rain mac travelling to work on a rainy day in England, make sure you still rub a bit of sun cream on your face as the sun can still seep through clouds.

2 You need to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB

There are two different elements to sun cream that you need to know the difference between. UVA forms the majority of UV light and contributes to skin ageing and cancer, as it penetrates deep. UVB is more intense and leads to sunburn, which causes DNA damage and can potentially lead to mutation in the form of skin cancers. To prevent both, apply evenly and continuously throughout the day.

3 It’s written in the stars, too

As for SPF, this refers to the UVB protection and the star system refers to UVA protection. So when you’re standing in the sun-cream aisle you should be scanning for a lotion that has an SPF of 35+ for UVB with five stars to cover UVA. After all, it’s all about creating that healthy balance.

4 You should apply generously

I know we all want that glorious sun-goddess tan but you shouldn’t put your health at risk – and anyway, SPF 35 can still create a sun-kissed gradual tan. Dermatologist Dr Noor Almaani says, ‘Studies have shown that we use less than half of the recommended amount of sun cream that is advised.’ Apply 20 minutes before getting your bikini on/jumping in the sea, and then once that layer has soaked into the skin, apply again one hour later for maximum effect. Throughout the day apply every few hours, especially after you’ve done any exercise or been in the sea.

5 Beware ‘once-a-day’ products

Regardless of the type of sun cream, it is important to re-apply – plus it doesn’t hurt to add extra to be sure. Also, sun creams degrade gradually upon sun exposure, and this applies to once-daily products too.