Sunscreen’s, which is best to protect my skin?

Lois Cook

SPF, suncream, sunblock, sunscreen. Unsure where do we start?

Here are some quick tips on what to look for.

Broad Spectrum – this means the product protects against both UVA and UVB, there are now products that also protect against blue light this would be shown as HEV on the bottle.

SPF- Sun protection factor, this only applies to the level of UVB protection, ideally we look for a SPF rating of above a 30 to ensure adequate protection, however there is only 5% difference in protective factors from a SPF 15 and SPF  50 so we always advise a high quality formulation, broad spectrum product you will wear is better than a SPF 50 that is not broad spectrum for example. They have recently changed the marketing regulation in the EU to make it simpler, so if you sunscreen is between factor 30-49 it will be labelled as factor 30, and anything above 50 will be 50.

UVB – it is these rays that are shorter in length so cause the burning on our skin and more instant damage, it is these rays they are responsible for the majority or skin cancers.

UVA – These rays are longer and therefore penetrate deeper in to the skin causing inflammation, pigmentation and signs of aging, the damage from these rays is cumulative and can also increase your risk of skin cancers,

The best way to protect your skin is to protect from both UVA and UVB, by using a broad spectrum product.

We know the light emitted from screens can damage our skin and eye health, so ideally you would have a product that is formulated to protect against HEV, but mineral sunscreens do offer more protection against HEV than chemical even if they are not specifically formulated to protect against HEV.  

 If you suffer from pigmentation using a tinted product will give you an extra protective factor against the pigment worsening, you should also use a tyrosinase inhibitor the summer months. This will slow down your melanocyte activity.

In a nutshell:

·      Wear a broad spectrum spf 30 daily in the UK March- October

·      Use a high quality vitamin C, with extra antioxidants in every morning, Vit C is a natural protective factor to UV damage.   

·      If you have or are at risk of hyperpigmentation use a tyrosinase inhibitor during the summer months twice daily, and opt for a tinted broad spectrum spf 30 or above.

·      If you use a screen a lot find a spf with HEV protection

·      If you have problematic skin opt for mineral