Sunscreen is the wider category: creams, lotions, gels, sticks and sprays can all be sunscreens. A cream belongs in that category, so the vocabulary has created a contest with only one contestant.1
What actually differs?
| What to compare | Sunscreen | Suncream |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Includes creams, lotions, gels, sticks and sprays. | A cream form of sunscreen. |
| Strength | Check the SPF number. | Check the SPF number. |
| UVA protection | Look for broad spectrum or the relevant UVA marking. | Look for the same protection markings. |
| Directions | Depend on the product and its form. | Follow the cream's label. |
| Mineral or chemical | Determined by the active ingredients. | Cream form does not identify the active ingredients. |
Which should you buy?
Pick the product with the protection you need in a form you will apply properly. SPF mainly describes protection against UVB, the rays that cause sunburn. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVB and UVA, which contributes to skin ageing and skin cancer. On UK labels, look for SPF 30 or higher and at least four UVA stars; UVA inside a circle indicates the EU standard. SPF is not a timer telling you how much longer you can stay outside. No sunscreen filters out every UVB ray, so use shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses too.1234
For swimming or sweating, choose water resistance and check the stated duration. US labels specify 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance; no sunscreen is waterproof.23
How do you apply either one?
- 1Apply before sun exposure, following the label. US general directions say 15 minutes before exposure. For an outing long enough to risk burning, UK guidance advises applying 30 minutes before leaving and again just before going out.
- 2Cover exposed skin generously and evenly. For an adult's whole body, UK guidance gives around six to eight teaspoons. Applying too little reduces protection.
- 3Include the face, neck, ears, hands and tops of feet, plus exposed scalp. Keep sunscreen out of your eyes and mouth. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face.
- 4Reapply every two hours while outdoors. Reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying, following the water resistance instructions rather than treating one application as an all day arrangement.
What if your skin is sensitive?
For sensitive skin, consider mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both. Test a small amount on your arm and check for a reaction for up to 48 hours. Fragrances and preservatives can also cause reactions, so the filter is not the only ingredient to consider. Stop use and ask a doctor if a rash occurs. Do not apply sunscreen to damaged or broken skin. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight and ask a doctor before using sunscreen on them.12345
Does last year's bottle still count?
Check the expiry date and any marked period after opening. Discard expired sunscreen; for a US product without an expiry date, discard it three years after purchase or if its age is unknown. Keep the container away from excessive heat and direct sun, because the product needs shade too, despite its job title.34
