Here comes the sun

The temperature is rising and sunnier days are on their way. And with them – we hope you’ll agree – will be a brand-new SPF.

While we know we should be wearing one all year round, it’s typically at this time of year that people start thinking about protecting their skin, and we see a spike in sales.

Year on year, SPFs get better and better. New formulas are lightweight, absorb instantly, and work seamlessly under make-up.

Experts agree a daily SPF is the very best protection money can buy. Around 80 per cent of skin damage (sagging, wrinkles and pigmentation) is caused by the sun’s UV rays.

But the problem lies beneath too, where rays also cause unseen DNA damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Estimates suggest there will be almost 400,000 non-melanoma skin cancer cases (the most common cancer in the UK) in the country by 2025 – up from 325,617 in 2020.

SPF has never been more essential – in summer and beyond. This week is the British Association of Dermatologists’ Sun Awareness Week, so there has never been a better time to stock up.

Now where should you begin?

Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and wellbeing advice

SPF - THE LOWDOWN Choose a broad spectrum

UVA and UVB rays both cause skin damage and cancer. UVA is “ageing” and UVB is “burning”. Protect skin against both with a broad spectrum SPF.

Protection is measured by a star rating that can be found on sunscreen bottles. Ratings range up to five stars – the more stars, the better the protection.

Chemical vs mineral

Sunscreens generally fall into two categories:

■ Chemical formulas with ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone that act as sun filters, absorbing UV light to stop damage.

■ Physical, mineral-based formulas commonly containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically protect the skin and reflect light away, as well as absorbing it.

Some products are a mix of both.

Face vs body

Always buy both. Facial skin is thinner and more vulnerable than that of the body so products are often formulated differently.

Many new facial SPFs are mineral-based, designed to wear with make-up, and have a moisturising base in them. Sprays are great on the body and chest, but avoid using them on the face as you won’t get an even coverage and can miss important areas.

They’re not waterproof

No sun protection product is waterproof. Water-resistant formulas are tested to ensure up to 40 minutes of resistance under water, but after this you should apply more.

Don’t skimp

According to lab tests, you need to apply around a teaspoon for each area of the body (one on each arm and around one for the face and neck) to get the protection it says on the pack. Try the two-finger method to judge the amount – squirt along the index and middle finger from the base to the tip.

How low can you go?

Use a minimum of SPF30 – but SPF50 is the best protection of all, offering 95 per cent protection from UV as opposed to SPF30’s 93 per cent. That two per cent difference adds up every time you apply it. Any higher than 50 only offers minimal extra benefit. No sunscreen can block out 100 per cent of UV rays.

Don’t rely on make-up

There are some great foundations containing SPF out there but, although they offer some protection, worn alone they won’t deliver the same benefits as a dedicated sunscreen.

It is also unlikely that you will be applying enough to cover all areas of the skin.

Consider the shelf life

Most sunscreens have a shelf life of two years. Work out when you opened yours and look for the little picture of a pot on your products to find out how long it’s got left.

Don’t pay more

An inexpensive product will have been through the same tests as a luxury cream. The only difference will be the packaging, feel of the formula, extra added active ingredients, or applicators such as brushes – the sun protection will remain the same.

Stay sun alert

Don’t assume wearing an SPF is

enough to protect you against the sun. Research shows those who use sunscreen tend to stay out in the sun for a longer period of time, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Reapply every two hours.

Apply it last

Apply SPF as the very last step of your skincare routine. If it’s a chemical formulation, wait 20 minutes before going out in the sun to ensure it has fully penetrated the skin. Retinol-based products and chemical exfoliators make skin more sensitive to UV rays, making SPF even more important.

THE NEW SUPER SUNSCREENS

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+ (£25, Boots), combines skincare and SPF skincare in one step. The lightweight cream has a slightly matte finish and contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing niacinamide.

Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF45 (£70, murad.co.uk), is a hybrid combining serum with mineral SPF and is clinically proven to visibly correct discolouration and prevent future hyperpigmentation.

Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV

Defense SPF50 (£30, kiehls. co.uk), doubles up as a moisturiser and an SPF50 sunscreen. It’s lightweight and perfect for sensitive skin thanks to its fragrance-free formula. What’s more, there’s no chalky residue, making it a great choice for darker skin tones.

Pharmaceris S Safe Protective Face Cream SPF50+ (£15.50, escentual. com), is a must-have for atopic skin conditions and uses a 100 per cent mineral filter formula. The featherlight lotion reduces risk of sun-induced eczema, allergies, irritation and itching, and keeps skin comfortable.

Skinceuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF50 (£45, lookfantastic. com), contains tranexamic acid and niacinamide in a supercharged SPF that’s as good at protecting skin as it is at preventing and reducing discolouration.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dryness Protection Cream (£7, Boots) calms, brightens, hydrates and protects – all for less than a tenner.

For more of Lesley’s tips, visit lesleyreynolds.com