Sunbathe safely this summer
EVERYONE knows that slathering on sunscreen is essential. But how much should you actually use? KATIE WRIGHT asks Dylan Griffiths, medical manager at Eucerin, to explain common mistakes and how to avoid them.
NOT USING ENOUGH SUNSCREEN
THE easiest way to visualise is via teaspoons. It’s recommended to use half a teaspoon for the face, neck and each arm. Then a full teaspoon to each leg, the front (chest and stomach) and the back. This totals six teaspoons, but if you don’t feel that’s enough then it’s always good practice to add more.
■ Eucerin Sun Gelcreme Oil Control SPF 50+, £15.99, Superdrug
NOT USING SUNSCREEN ON A CLOUDY DAY
THIS is the biggest sunscreen myth. Sunscreen should be worn every day. Clouds filter out sunlight but not UV rays, so even on a cloudy day you’re still getting up to 80% of the sun’s harmful effect.
■ P20 Face Lotion SPF30, £15.99 (was £19.99), Superdrug
USING A LOWER FACTOR TO TAN FASTER BELIEVING YOUR SUNSCREEN IS WATERPROOF
WATERPROOF sunscreen doesn’t exist – we talk about water-resistance. This means the product won’t instantly come off the skin when it meets water, and is designed for people who will be swimming or heavily perspiring. It is essential to re-apply the product straight after coming out of the pool and drying, or regularly while perspiring.
NOT USING SUNSCREEN ON DARKER SKIN TONES
DARKER skin does contain higher levels of melanin – black skin has a natural SPF of around 13.4, white skin is about 3.4. But it’s not enough to protect from a day in the sun.