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Using a sunscreen

There will always be times when you're out in the sun without adequate shade or cover-up clothing. This is when sunscreen is useful for protecting exposed skin from the sun's rays. Sunscreen alone will not protect completely from sun damage and you should never use sunscreen in order to spend longer in the sun. It should be used to increase your protection

Use factor 15+
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a sunscreen is a measure of its ability to filter out dangerous UVB rays. The higher the factor, the more protection you get from burning. But higher factor sunscreens also tend to be more expensive.

Why factor 15?
The reason experts recommend factor 15 is that this represents the best balance between protection and price. You will get over 90 per cent protection from UVB rays with SPF 15. Above SPF 30 you don't get much additional protection from higher factors.

No sunscreen - no matter how high the factor - can offer 100 per cent protection.

factor 15 sunscreen offers about 93 per cent protection
factor 30 sunscreen offers about 96 per cent protection
factor 60 sunscreen offers about 98 per cent protection

Buying sunscreen

Choose one:

with SPF 15 or above - this will give you over 90 per cent protection

labelled 'broad spectrum' - to protect against UVA and UVB

that is water resistant - it's less likely to wash or be sweated off

with a valid 'use by' date - most sunscreens have a shelf life of two to three years

you can afford - you don't have to pay for expensive brands. All types are tested and the cheaper brands are just as effective if used properly - just remember factor 15+.

Tips for using sunscreen properly

Apply 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun

Apply to clean, dry skin and rub in only lightly

Use generous amounts

Re-apply once outside to ensure even coverage

Then re-apply every two hours or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off

Put on before make-up, moisturiser, insect repellent etc

Never use it to spend longer in the sun - this will put you at risk of sun damage that could lead to skin cancer

Do not store sunscreens in very hot places as extreme heat can ruin their protective chemicals.

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In association with Cancer Research UK. Registered charity number 1089464

  Related Links

• Protecting your skin
• Stay in the shade
• Make sure you never burn
• Covering up
• Health Home

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