What Sun Protection Should I Use?
Learn exactly how to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Read Time: 8 minutes
There's many ways you can protect yourself from the sun.
How to Protect Yourself From the Sun
The sun is far more dangerous than most people tend to believe. It can cause sun poisoning, skin cancer, premature ageing and eye damage, just to name a few of its dangers. So whether you are cycling or going for a swim, it is essential that you and your family wear proper protection when you are outside enjoying the sun.
When people think of sun protection, they tend to think of sun cream, and they're right, sun cream is a fantastic form of protection. But not all sun creams are made equal and we will explore the nuances to obtaining proper protection with sun cream. In parallel, we will also explore even better and more effective forms of sun protection like sun protective clothing.
Understanding Sun Protection Basics
What is SPF & What Does it Do?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It measures how well a sun cream protects your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.
What Does the SPF Number Mean?
The SPF number indicates how much longer it would take for your skin to redden when using sun cream compared to without. For example, SPF 30 means it takes 30 times longer to burn. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%.
How Do the Various SPFs Differ?
While higher SPFs provide slightly more protection, no sun cream blocks 100% of UV rays. Always reapply regularly, no matter the SPF level.
Difference Between UVA & UVB Rays?
UVA Rays
UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing to aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. They’re present all day, even on cloudy days, and can pass through glass.
UVB Rays
UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and play a significant role in skin cancer. They’re more intense during sunny hours but don’t penetrate as deeply as UVA rays.
What are UVA Star Ratings?
Remember that SPF relates to protection against UVB rays, whilst the UVA star ratings measure how much protection the sun cream provides against UVA rays. Look for a product with at least four stars or labelled as “broad spectrum” for optimal protection.
Choosing the Right Sun Cream
Which SPF Should I Use?
- Adults: Use at least SPF 30 for extended outdoor activities.
- Children: Opt for SPF 50+ for sensitive young skin.
- High-risk groups: If you’re fair-skinned or have a history of skin cancer, stick to SPF 50+ or higher – you can even get SPF 100!
What Type of Sun Cream is Best?
- Lotion vs. Spray Sun Creams: Lotions provide more even coverage, while sprays are convenient but can be harder to apply evenly. Use whichever is more convenient, just ensure you apply it thoroughly – too much is better than too little.
- Swimming and Sun Creams: Choose water-resistant sun creams and reapply immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin or Moles: Look for hypoallergenic or mineral-based sun creams designed for sensitive skin or areas with moles.
- Sun Cream for Full Protection: As mentioned, look only for a broad-spectrum sun cream that will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sun creams that are not broad-spectrum will leave you exposed to cancer-causing UVA rays!
How Much Sun Cream Should I Use?
Depends on the size of the person, but generally, use a “shot glass” amount (around 30ml) for your body and a teaspoon for your face. Don’t forget commonly missed areas like your ears, neck, and feet.
How Much Protection Do Moisturisers & Make-up Products with SPF Offer?
SPF in make-up or moisturizers is typically applied too thinly for full protection. Layer these with a proper sun cream for outdoor exposure.
Tips for Proper Sun Protection
How to Apply Sun Cream Correctly
Apply sun cream 30 minutes before heading outside. Cover all exposed skin generously and allow it to dry before dressing.
How Often Should I Reapply Sun Cream?
Reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
What About Wearing Sun Cream Indoors?
UV rays can penetrate windows. If you’re near a window for long periods, for example when you are driving, wear a daily moisturiser with SPF 30+.
Protecting Children from the Sun
Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight. Use SPF 50+ on older children and dress them in sun-protective clothing.
Sun Safety Beyond Sun Cream
Protecting Your Eyes with Sunglasses
Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
Sun-Protective Clothing
Opt for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, wide-brimmed hats, and long sleeves for extra coverage. Sun-protective clothing is the most reliable form of sun protection and doesn’t need reapplying!
Seeking Shade During Peak Sun Hours
The sun is strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. Seek shade or stay indoors during these hours.
Addressing Common Concerns
Dealing with Sunburn: Prevention and Treatment
To prevent sunburn, apply sun cream properly and reapply frequently. If you do burn, cool the skin with aloe vera or a damp cloth, stay hydrated, and avoid further sun exposure until healed.
Who Should Take Extra Care in the Sun?
Fair-skinned individuals, children, and people with a history of skin cancer need extra protection. Also, take extra care at high altitudes or near the equator, where UV rays are more intense.
The Risks of Using Sunbeds
Sunbeds emit concentrated UV rays, increasing the risk of skin cancer and accelerating skin aging. Avoid them altogether.
What’s the Most Harmful Time of the Day for Sun Exposure?
UV rays are strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun intensity. Make sure to check the UV intensity before heading outside and ensure you are protected if the UV intensity is 3 or greater.
Stay Safe in the Sun
Choosing the right sun protection doesn’t have to be complicated. Use SPF 30 or higher, reapply regularly, and don’t rely solely on sun cream. Combine it with other protective measures like hats, sunglasses, shade, and sun-protective clothing. With the right precautions, you can enjoy the sun safely while keeping your skin healthy.