Sunscreen tips and tricks

What should you look for on the bottle?

Choose SPF 30 or higher for everyday use and SPF 50 or higher for extended outdoor time, such as a beach or pool day. Look for broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, the two types of ultraviolet radiation. SPF primarily describes UVB protection against sunburn. Higher SPF does not let you skip reapplication or stay outside longer without precautions.345

In the UK, look for SPF 30 or higher and at least four stars for UVA protection; UVA inside a circle indicates the EU standard. Choose water resistance for swimming or sweating. US water resistance labels specify 40 or 80 minutes of protection during those activities. No sunscreen is waterproof, and SPF is not a measure of how many hours you can spend in the sun.46

How do you apply sunscreen properly?

1. 1Apply before leaving. Allow about 15 minutes before sun exposure, rather than waiting until you reach the beach or start your walk.
2. 2Measure a generous amount. Most adults need about one ounce, or two tablespoons, to cover exposed face and body. Larger bodies can need more. If covering the entire body, the UK guide is around six to eight teaspoons.
3. 3Cover the face thoroughly. AAD guidance uses at least one teaspoon for the face, roughly the amount along your index and middle fingers. The Skin Cancer Foundation uses a nickel sized dollop. These practical estimates differ; neither means a few tiny dots are enough.
4. 4Work across every exposed area. Include the ears, neck, nose, hairline, hands, legs and tops of the feet. Rub sunscreen in thoroughly, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
5. 5Handle awkward areas. Ask someone to help with your back. Cover an exposed scalp with sunscreen or a wide brimmed hat, and use lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.
6. 6Reapply outdoors. Repeat every two hours and immediately after swimming, heavy sweating or towel drying. Reapply when sunscreen has rubbed off, even if two hours have not passed.

Applying too little reduces the protection you get from the SPF on the bottle. For a longer outing where burning is a risk, UK guidance adds an application 30 minutes before leaving and another just before going out. Reapplication also gives you another chance to cover areas missed the first time.56

What about sticks, sprays and powder?

• With a stick, overlap each stroke slightly to avoid gaps and get even coverage.
• With a spray, apply generously until an even sheen appears, then rub it in thoroughly. For the face, spray into your hands first and apply by hand. Use a well ventilated area and avoid inhaling the spray.
• Use powder sunscreen as an addition, not your only protection. Powder can be useful over makeup and for touch ups.
• Read the directions for your format rather than assuming a stick, spray and lotion are applied identically.

Many sunscreen sprays contain flammable alcohol. Keep them away from open flames and follow the warning label. Check whether your sunscreen has been recalled and stop using it if it has.2

Can your moisturizer do the job?

A moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher can serve both purposes, giving one bottle two jobs without a promotion. For outdoor time, make sure your protection also includes water resistance and regular reapplication. Pick a formula intended for your skin type, including one labelled for sensitive skin if needed. A hypoallergenic label means a lower allergy risk, not that an allergic reaction is impossible.7

Daily sunscreen helps protect against skin cancer and premature aging, including fine lines and uneven pigmentation. Think prevention rather than an overnight cosmetic transformation. Sunscreen and moisturizer are effective anti aging basics, but skincare results are modest, and paying more does not turn a cream into a facelift.57

For extra protection against developing dark spots, consider a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxide. Iron oxide protects against the sun's visible light as well as the UV protection offered by the sunscreen.1

Do clouds, winter or a tan change the rules?

Apply sunscreen every morning to exposed skin regardless of season or weather. Clouds do not remove UV exposure, and people of every skin colour can experience sun damage. A tan is not healthy protection. Check the UV index: a value of three or higher is a reason to protect your skin.256

Add shade, covering clothing and a wide brimmed hat. Limit exposure during the strongest sun: generally 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in US advice, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from March to October in the UK. For sunglasses, look for UV400 or 100% UV protection.236

Who needs extra care?

Keep babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight and ask a doctor before applying sunscreen. For older children, follow the label and protect exposed areas with sunscreen alongside clothing and shade. If you take medication, ask your healthcare professional about sun precautions because some medicines increase sun sensitivity. Take extra care if you burn easily or have a personal or family history of skin cancer.24

Keep sunscreen usable, not just available

Keep the container out of excessive heat and direct sunlight; outdoors, put it in shade or wrap it in a towel. Replace expired sunscreen. For a US product without an expiration date, discard it three years after purchase, or sooner if you cannot establish its age. On UK products, check the open jar symbol for the permitted number of months after opening.46

If you burn, stay out of the sun until redness has gone. Cool the skin with a cool bath, shower or water, and seek medical help for severe swelling, blisters or feeling unwell. Report a new mole, growth or lump, or a patch that changes size, shape or colour, to your doctor promptly.6