Applying sunscreen regularly is super important for looking after our skin while having fun in the sun. We’ve heard that a high SPF offers the best protection, but what exactly does having a ‘high SPF’ sunscreen even mean?
What is SPF & what does it do?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It measures a sunscreen’s ability to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The sun emits two types of UV radiation that reach our skin – UVA and UVB.
What’s the difference between UVA & UVB rays?
“They both cause different types of damage, and not all sun creams protect against them in the same way,” says Boots sun care expert, Clare O’Connor. “So it’s important to know the difference between the two, and what they’re responsible for.”
UVA rays
“These are present at all times during daylight hours, and while you might not immediately see their effects, they’re very powerful,” says Clare. “They can penetrate clouds, glass and the skin more deeply than UVB, causing long-term damage (including all types of skin cancer) and playing a major part in the ageing process, such as causing wrinkles, sun spots and leathery skin.”
UVB rays
“UVB rays are mostly responsible for sunburn and skin reddening. They don’t penetrate as deeply as UVA rays, but they’re just as damaging.” Clare adds, “They play a large part in the development of skin cancers, including melanoma.”
What are UVA star ratings?
All sunscreen products protect against UVB and UVA rays. You’ll often see a star rating on the front of most sunscreens, which measures the level of UVA protection.
“Boots developed this rating system in 1992, and it was Europe’s first measurement system for UVA protection,” says Clare. “Ranging from zero to five, this rating indicates the percentage of UVA radiation that’s absorbed by that particular sun protection, compared to UVB. The higher the star rating, the better the protection against UVA rays – but try not to go lower than a four-star rating,” Clare advises.
Some sunscreens may not use a star rating, but instead will be labelled with UVA in a circle. However, sunscreens labelled five-star or broad-spectrum UVA protection is the highest available UVA protection.
How do the various SPFs differ?
SPFs are rated on a scale of two to 50+ depending on the protection they offer. The number shows how long the sun’s UV rays would take to burn your skin with sunscreen, compared to the time it would without. Let’s say you usually start to burn after 10 minutes in the sun if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. An SPF 30 sunscreen, if used properly, will protect you for up to 30 times longer.
It also depends on a person’s skin type, intensity of the sunlight and amount of sunscreen used. Generally, SPF 15 is considered mild protection, 15-30 is considered moderate protection and 30+ is considered high protection. Whatever SPF you use, make sure you reapply sunscreen every two hours to help keep your skin safe.
Which SPF should I be using?
Your skin tone is important when choosing which SPF is best for you. Melanin is a natural pigment in our skin that helps to protect against sun damage. Those with more melanin will likely have darker skin, eyes and hair. The amount of melanin you produce depends on your genes. Dermatologists generally divide skin types into six different categories. These range from phototype one (fair skin that burns very easily and doesn’t tan) to phototype six (darker skin that doesn’t burn easily).
Those with fair skin and hair, light-coloured eyes, freckles and moles (phototype one) are at highest risk of sunburn, photo damage and skin cancer. They should always use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or, even better, 50. If you’re very fair, you’re at a higher risk of causing damage to your skin if it’s exposed to the sun without protection.
Thanks to having more melanin, those with a darker complexion have more natural sun protection. One of the biggest myths surrounding sunscreen is that those with darker skin don’t need to worry about protecting their skin. This is not true. If your skin is darker, you should still use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin. Even if darker skin doesn’t visibly burn, there’s still a risk of the skin being damaged beneath the surface, leaving it vulnerable to longer-term skin damage.
It’s possible for everyone, no matter how dark their skin colour, to burn and develop skin cancer. Take extra care to protect babies and children as their skin is much more sensitive. Always apply a high protection sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and keep babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight.
How much sunscreen should I use on my face & body?
When it comes to applying sunscreen, we usually pop some in the palm of our hands and rub it in, but how much should we actually be applying? Clare recommends using “A cupped palmful, which is around 30ml or a shot glassful for a full-body application.” For the best facial protection, Clare recommends applying “A teaspoon of product or a line of sunscreen across the first two fingers of your hand.”
It’s also important to consider the areas you might not think to protect as much as others. “Lips are vulnerable to burning as they don’t contain protective melanin, so use a designated sun stick and reapply frequently,” says Clare. “The scalp, especially thinning hair or if you have a parting, can easily burn in the sun. The best protection is to wear a hat, but sunscreen can also be applied to the scalp,” she adds.
When should I apply sunscreen?
The general rule of thumb is to apply sunscreen to exposed skin every day – even when it's cloudy, as the UV rays can still penetrate through them. And don’t forget about areas like the tips of ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, back of hands and your hairline – they can be easy to miss!
“Sun exposure starts the second you step outside,” warns Clare. If you’re planning to go out, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving and reapply when you get to your destination. “Apply liberally and frequently, and allow it to dry properly before redressing,” says Clare.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Reapplying sunscreen is so important, even if the sunscreen is labelled ‘once a day’ or ‘water-resistant’. Clare recommends “Referring to the manufacturer’s instructions on the pack, but as a rule of thumb, every two hours and especially after swimming or towelling.”
What about wearing sunscreen indoors?
Like Clare mentioned earlier, the sun’s strong UV rays can penetrate through glass. “You aren’t going to burn indoors but if you’re going to be sitting by a window all day, wear a daily moisturiser that contains five-star UVA protection,” says Clare.
How much protection do moisturisers & make-up products with SPF in offer?
A lot of moisturisers and make-up products, like your foundations and concealers, now contain an SPF – usually anywhere from factor 15 to 50. But take these with a pinch of salt, as Clare states how “They’re designed to protect the skin from incidental sun exposure that occurs fleetingly throughout the day. They’re often applied very thinly which reduces the level of protection they impart.” The best solution? “For more prolonged and deliberate sun exposure, either reapply liberally or preferably use a sunscreen product such as Soltan sensitive SPF 50 for the face,” says Clare.
When it comes to layering your products, Clare recommends “Starting with your moisturiser, allowing it to sink into the skin and then apply your chosen sunscreen, using at least a teaspoon for your face and neck.”
Stay safe in the sun
Whatever type of sun protection you use, no matter the SPF, keep your sunscreen topped up regularly when you’re in the sun. This includes sunscreens that are ‘once a day’ and ‘water resistant’. Be smart and don’t just rely on sunscreen alone to keep you safe when it’s hot outside. Protect your skin by wearing a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses. Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm and choose a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA rays. This helps prevent sunburn and protects your skin.
