How sun-safe are you?

SUMMER H LIDAY SPECIAL! Go outside and enjoy the rays, but make sure you’re getting the most from your sun cream to prevent lasting damage to your body

un lotion can protect us from S premature ageing and even skin cancer. But how often do you actually apply SPF when you’re not on holiday? The amount you use and how frequently can have a huge effect on your skin.

FIND YOUR FACTOR

Skincare expert Rebecca Bennett explains: “Oils, sprays or lotions – it doesn’t matter what you go for, it’s all about the SPF. The higher the protection factor, the more UV rays the sunscreen will filter. If it takes 10 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 should prevent reddening 15 times longer – about 150 minutes – although this is a rough estimate. Always look for products that protect against both UVA and UVB, and wear it all year round.”

GET COVERED

“When it comes to application, put your lotion on 15 minutes before heading outside and always reapply after you’ve been swimming. At a very minimum, you should be using approximately six teaspoons of lotion to cover your body (don’t forget the back of neck and ears), and always top up throughout the day. The Skin Cancer Foundation noted that up to 40 per cent of the sun’s UV rays reach Earth on a cloudy day. Come rain or shine – you should be wearing even a minimal level of SPF 15 – especially on your face. Lots of make-up contains a protective factor which is great for everyday, but if you’re going to be outside constantly, apply some proper sun cream first. If you have little ones, aim for sunscreen designed for children, as the formulas can be gentler and often have higher levels of SPF.”