Get the low-down on sunscreen

When is the best time to apply sunscreen?

It is always beneficial to apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. This allows the cream or spray to sink into your skin, giving maximum protection.

How often do I need to apply sunscreen, and how much?

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours to effectively protect your skin. While some sunscreens may be labelled as ‘up to four hours water-resistant’, after two hours of wear, the percentage of protection begins to significantly reduce. Adults should use roughly one teaspoon of sunscreen for the face, each arm and leg, and the front and back of your torso – roughly seven teaspoons in total for a full-body application.

Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection Sun Lotion SPF 30

I forgot my sunscreen and I'm looking a little pink. What can I do to minimise the sun damage?

For light burns, apply an aloe-infused product to soothe and repair. We like Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Spray – the non-aerosol spritz lets you apply micro-drops of hydrating lotion evenly over your body, including on hard-to-reach spots such as the shoulders and back, without applying pressure to tender, post-sun skin. For the face, choose a nurturing moisturiser that offers SPF, to protect your complexion as it heals.

Johnson & Johnson hydration day cream 50ml

Olay Total Effects Whip SPF 30 moisturiser 50ml

What's the difference between SPFs? Why do I find sunscreens described as SPF 100+ when I'm on holiday?

To be effective, sunscreens must offer broad-spectrum protection to shield you from both UVA and UVB rays. While exposure to UVA rays ages the skin, it’s UVB rays that cause the growth of cancerous cells, with the sun protection factor (SPF) your best indication of how effective a sunscreen is. A sunscreen labelled SPF 30 blocks 97 per cent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks out 98 per cent when applied correctly. Sunscreens approved for import to the UAE must meet high standards set by an internationally recognised body. In some other countries, these standards are not as strict, so you might see some brands claiming to offer SPFs of 100, 150 or even 200, without actually delivering an increase in protection. It’s best to always travel with sunscreen purchased from a trusted retailer, to ensure you’re using a product that’s proven to protect.

Banana Boat Ultra Protect sunscreen lotion SPF 50 90ml

Can adults use sunscreen labelled for children?

Absolutely. In most cases, children’s sunscreen is formulated without colours, perfumes or known irritants, to be as gentle as possible on sensitive or delicate skin. The SPF is the same when applied correctly, on little-ones or grown-ups.

Nivea Sun Kids Protect lotion SPF 50+ 200ml

My foundation says it has SPF. Does this give me enough coverage?

In short, no. Following the teaspoon rule for sunscreen application to the face, which says 2mg of sunscreen is needed per 1cm of skin in order to achieve the sun protection factor advertised on the bottle, you would have to use double or triple this amount of foundation to equal the SPF found in a dedicated sunscreen. Instead, opt for an oil-free sunscreen with your foundation.

Nivea Essentials BB 24 hour hydration cream with medium radiance shade has a low SPF but is a start. Apply on top of a facial sunscreen.