With summer on the horizon and the promise of blue skies and warm days, it’s the perfect time to make sure your family is properly protected from the sun. But between SPF, UVA and UVB, do you actually know what to look for when you’re choosing a sunscreen?
Even on overcast or windy days, the sun’s rays can still penetrate through the ozone layer, so understanding exactly what protection your chosen sun cream offers is vital, not just in high summer, but throughout the year. Read on to find out what really matters when you’re picking a sunscreen for your family.
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What Do UVA and UVB Mean?
UV stands for ultraviolet, and both UVA and UVB are ultraviolet rays from the sun that pass through the ozone layer. Both types of ray can harm unprotected skin, especially with prolonged exposure and no sun cream.
UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and mainly affect the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. UVA rays penetrate deeper, reaching cells in the dermis and the layers beneath. Over time, both UVA and UVB exposure can cause cells to mutate, which is linked to skin cancer risk.
What is SPF?
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SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it tells you how much protection a sunscreen offers against UVB rays specifically. Without any protection, skin can burn, and repeated sun exposure over time can lead to premature ageing and, in some cases, skin cancer.
A sunscreen with SPF 15 means it takes roughly 15 times longer for skin to burn than with no protection at all; SPF 30 means roughly 30 times longer, and so on.
As a rough guide to how much of the sun’s UVB rays are screened out:
- SPF 15 screens approximately 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 screens approximately 97%
- SPF 50 screens approximately 98%
Keep in mind that SPF is only an indicator. Unless you apply a generous, even layer of sun cream, you’re unlikely to get the full level of protection the number suggests.
It’s just as important that the sunscreen you choose also protects against UVA rays.
Does My Sun Cream Offer UVA Protection?
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Good sunscreens carry a UVA star rating from 1 to 5, usually shown inside a circle on the back of the packaging. The higher the star rating, the more protection the cream offers against UVA rays, the ones that penetrate deeper into the skin.
So even if you’re using a sunscreen with a lower SPF, it’s worth checking that it has a high UVA star rating too. If you’re ever unsure what protection a product offers, your pharmacist is a great person to ask.
What About Vitamin D?
Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping bones and teeth healthy, as it helps the body absorb calcium. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when skin is directly exposed to UV rays from the sun.
Health guidance suggests that during the summer months, most people produce enough vitamin D from just 5 to 15 minutes of direct sun exposure, two to three times a week. It’s best to get this exposure outside the hottest part of the day, and to apply sunscreen at all other times.
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How to Stay Sun Safe
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- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and a good UVA star rating.
- Apply sun cream at least 20 minutes before heading outside, ideally allowing 30 minutes for it to absorb fully.
- Don’t skimp on sunscreen. It’s always better to apply too much than too little.
- Use a water-resistant sunscreen for swimming, water sports, or any activity where you’ll be sweating more than usual.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.
- Remember that the sun’s rays reflect off water (and off snow and ice in winter), so skin is exposed twice: once directly, and once from the reflection.
- Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day, and keep young children and babies out of direct sunlight altogether.
- Stay hydrated.
- Choose sunglasses with UV filtering to protect young eyes too.
- Cover heads with a hat. It’s easy to forget sunscreen on the scalp, but the parting in your child’s hair can burn just as easily as any other exposed skin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What SPF should I use for my children?
Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, though many parents choose SPF 30 or 50 for extra reassurance, along with a high UVA star rating for broad protection.
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
UVB rays mainly cause sunburn and affect the outer layer of skin. UVA rays penetrate more deeply and are linked to longer-term skin damage. A good sunscreen protects against both.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Reapply at least every two hours, and straight away after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying, even if the product is labelled water-resistant.
Can I still get vitamin D if I wear sunscreen?
Yes. Short, unprotected exposure of around 5 to 15 minutes a few times a week during summer is generally enough, ideally outside the hottest part of the day, with sunscreen worn at all other times.
Do I need sunscreen on a cloudy day?
Yes. UV rays pass through cloud cover, so it’s worth applying sunscreen even when it doesn’t feel particularly sunny.
Related Articles
- Warning! Your Water Resistant Sunscreen May Not Be Working
- How to Get More Vitamin D into Your Child
- 50 Superb Summer Activities for Kids
Before You Go
Looking for more ways to make the most of the sunny days ahead? Browse our full collection of summer activity ideas for inspiration on keeping the kids busy and happy while staying sun safe.
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