Make sure you stay protected as you soak up summer rays
WORDS: LISA BURN IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK ALL PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS
As the weather warms up and we see more of the sun, it’s important to protect ourselves from its rays. Sunscreen prevents skin from burning, which can lead to hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and skin ageing, as well as melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
Don’t make the mistake of keeping your suncare for high summer and holidays abroad. You should be wearing sunscreen on your face that protects from UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays year-round – and now we’re into late spring, apply it to exposed parts of your body, too.
But it’s not just your face and body you need to protect – how about the skin on your head? Yes, your hair affords some shelter from the sun, but thinning hair means less protection and a burnt scalp is incredibly painful.
While you can use the same product on your scalp that you do on your face, it may well leave your hair feeling greasy, so a dedicated scalp sunscreen would be a better option. While you’re at it, a heat protection cream or spray will also help prevent your hair drying out.
Finally, don’t forget your extremities. Lips don’t have oil glands so are prone to dryness.
While lip balm helps, using one with an SPF is even better. Also, make sure to apply sunscreen to the edges of your ears, end of your nose, toes and fingers.
How Much Sunscreen Is Enough?
Measure up for correct coverage The NHS recommends using a sunscreen of at least factor SPF30, and use around six to eight teaspoons of cream to cover your entire body. The British Skin Foundation, which funds research into skin cancer, breaks this down further – use a full shot glass at one time. They advise half a teaspoon for your face and neck, a teaspoon for your arms, two teaspoons for legs and two teaspoons for your torso, front and back.
For Your Body
Add a golden glow the safe way with this sunscreen that doubles as a firming body cream. It contains anti-inflammatory green tea extract and moisturising vitamin E. Naked Sundays Golden Glow Body Sunscreen SPF50 £25 Naked Sundays
A sunscreen for sensitive skin with edelweiss, green tea, cocoa butter and aloe vera as well as SPF – and reef friendly, too
Green People Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 From £21
Green People
If creams feel too sticky, a spray could be your summer beach buddy. This one feels dry and is
