Top tips when choosing & using sunscreen
- Use a ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen that protects against UVA & UVB; SPF minimum 30 (50 for kids)
- Apply to dry skin 20 mins before going outside
- Be extra careful of areas that don’t get much sun, they will burn more easily
- For the average adult you’ll need 35mls of sunscreen to cover the whole body. We recommend using a measure of half a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover
- each arm, the face, neck & ears. Then one teaspoon for each leg, the front & the back of the body
- Re-apply every 2 hours
- Check the products use-by date & store it below 30°C
- Choose a water-resistant type if sweating or you’re involved in watersports
- Always check for the UVA logo on the bottle
Ask our Pharmacist or one our trained healthcare advisors for advice on selecting the right sun protection for you & your family.
UV Index & Advice
Ultraviolet rays (UVA & UVB) from the sun and sunbeds are the main cause of skin cancer. Too much UV exposure also causes sunburn, premature ageing and eye damage.
The UV index is a good indicator of when the sun is most dangerous – it measures the strength of the sun’s UV rays so you know how and when to protect your skin when outdoors.
UV is always strongest during the middle of the day, typically between 11am-3pm during April to September. Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection – UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage!
When the UV Index is 3 or more you’re at greater risk – remember to check the UV Index and to be SunSmart ! The sun’s UV rays can damage unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes.