Stay safe in the sun
Confused about sunscreen? Skin experts tell KATIE WRIGHT everything you need to know this summer
WE all know sunburn is not just painful, but very bad for our skin, and that a generous slathering of cream is essential to prevent the risk of developing skin cancer.
But how much do you really know about sunscreen?
Can you, for example, still use last year’s bottle?
Do kids need more protection than adults? And are facial mists strong enough to ward off harmful rays?
We asked skincare experts to answer some of the most common SPF queries.
Does sunscreen go off?
“Yes, and using an SPF that’s past its shelf life means it won’t protect effectively,” says Abi Cleeve, MD at Ultrasun UK and founder of SkinSense.
“Check the symbol on the bottle, a pot with the number of months it is effective after opening.”
She adds: “All Ultrasun products have a shelf life of two years after opening.”
Should kids always use factor 50?
Laura Harker, lead screening nurse at The Mole Clinic, says: “Babies and younger children need extra care, and children aged under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight. This is because damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer in later life.”
She recommends parents use at least SPF 30 on kids, depending on “age and strength of the sun. Ideally, in the summertime, children should cover up with suitable clothing and spend time in the shade, particularly from 11am to 3pm, when the sun is strongest”.
Do SPF mists really give your face enough protection?
“A good quality mist sunscreen can be just as effective as a good quality cream sunscreen – provided you apply the mist in sufficient quantities,” says Laura.
To get adequate coverage, Abi says it takes “a little more vigilance to ensure no missed bits, so do make sure these are also rubbed in.
After that full first application, a mist is also great for ‘on the go’ and top-ups over make-up”.
Are expensive sunscreens better, or are you just paying for the name?
It’s important to “consider the SPF number (UVB), percentage UVA filter and the formula, says Abi, regardless of brand or price.
She says: “Opt for an SPF of 30 or more and a UVA percentage filter of over 90%. Ultrasun puts the percentage on the product for ease.”
Laura recommends selecting a product that has a UVA rating of four or five stars “rather than based on price, because the higher the price does not always mean the higher the protection”.
Are any sunscreens really waterproof?
“Waterproof sunscreens don’t really exist,” says Chelsey Edmunds, campaigns and communications manager at Escentual, “Water-resistant ones do, which means they are tested to ensure up to 40 minutes of underwater resistance.
“These sunscreens will need to be more frequently re-applied as exposure to water or even sweat – quickly reduces the protection,” adds Laura.