The SPF (sun protection power) number indicates the level of protection against burning. The NHS recommends using SPF 30 and above. SPF 30 is clinically proven to be a sufficient amount of protection to reduce the adverse effects of sunlight. UVA protection: Each of these sun creams has been tested by someone on the Marie Claire UK beauty team against the below criteria. If the sun cream reveals a 'yes' answer to the below, it's made it on the our edit of the best.

New technology means that the latest sunscreens are now genuinely invisible on application. Oh-so sheer that they glide over the skin as light as coconut water. Ranging from 0 to 5, this scale measures the amount of protection the formula offers against UVA radiation. UVA Seal: This is the most common UVA rating. It's the letters UVA in a circle and has been classed as sufficient protection. PA Rating: Seen mostly on American and International brands. The higher the number of + after the PA the better (the highest rating is PA++++). It's not really recognised as the best way to show protection here in the UK. Why is it so important to use the best sun cream?

Family history is also important when it comes to your risk of melanoma, with it playing a part in around one in ten cases. Our products can be used in the sun or on sunbeds, it can be applied over SPF lotion. Contains almond & wheat germ oil. If you have skin sensitivities, nut allergies, or are gluten intolerant, please consult your dermatologist prior to use.

Before we get into the specifics, here's how to read a bottle of bargain suncream, to ensure that it's here for the protection you need. The UVA star rating system is your most useful tool when identifying the best supermarket sun creams. The sun protection ingredients for facial use aren’t necessarily different from those you apply elsewhere. You’ll just find the textures thinner, less pore-clogging and designed to play nicely under make-up. It goes without saying that you need protection from both UVA and UVB in your sun protection, and, thankfully, almost all of today’s sun creams offer this. How do you know? Look for the words ‘broad spectrum’ on the bottle. And though the days of greasy, oily SPF are very much a thing of the past, finding the right formula–at the right price–is never an easy feat.Over 100 years ago, we invented modern skincare with NIVEA Creme. Today, millions of people all over the world, with every skin type, rely on the NIVEA brand. Whether you have normal skin, sensitive skin, or dry skin, NIVEA has products to suit your needs. Our researchers work extensively with different skin types and the different care requirements brought about by culture, gender and age. Thanks to this approach, we have developed numerous innovative skincare products over the past few decades – from deodorants to sunscreen products. We work with over 50 institutions around the world to ensure that our products are suitable for your skin. Our products can be used in the sun or on sunbeds, it can be applied over SPF lotion. Contains wheat germ oil. If you have skin sensitivities or are gluten intolerant, please consult your dermatologist prior to use. NIVEA SUN Intense Bronze Oil Spray helps the skin to get golden, intense and long-lasting tan. It also protects your skin against UVA/UVB rays and sunburns. Additionally, the formula with Carotene extract and Vitamin E leaves a smooth and silky skin feeling. The formula is water resistant & has no self tan. This is especially true of the latest SPF50 oil-in-water hybrids, which are as far from a traditional suncream as you can get. Melanoma is caused by various genetic and environmental factors. There are certain genetic factors, which will increase your risk of developing melanoma, including those who have a larger number of moles or moles that are atypical. Additionally, people with pale skin, red or blonde hair and blue or green eyes are at a greater risk than those with dark features.

UVA accounts for around 95% of the UV light that reaches our skin, has the ability to penetrate glass, and is responsible for causing skin damage. Ideally, you want a sun cream that hits the 5-star rating to ensure you’re as covered as can be. How to read an SPF rating For those of us who tan easily, there are a couple of ways to keep that glow topped up and looking fresh. One easy solution is to use an oil such as Hawaiian Tropic which boosts the colour after you've laid in the sun a few hours. Another great idea is to boost it before you go into the sun, such as with a tanning milk like this one from Nivea. The German company have a great selection of sun creams and tanning lotions available, and this is a combination of both products in one handy bottle. However, it is important to note the low SPF value of this tanning milk. Carotene Sun Milk from Nivea only has an SPF 6. Natural Ingredients UVA star rating:Here in the UK, our suncare brands will use the UVA star rating. It shows UVA in a circle with stars below indicating the level of protection. One star is minimum, two stars moderate, three stars good, four stars superior and five stars ultra.The best facial sunscreens and the best SPF moisturisers are also flooded with additional skincare ingredients such as antioxidants to ward off sun-related issues such as wrinkles, pigmentation and dehydration. How to use sunscreen You need to have oil in sunscreen as that’s where the high, broad-spectrum filters are embedded," says dermatologist Dr Hiva Fassihi. The water phase is where the hydrating and antioxidant ingredients sit. Excessive exposure to sunlight or UV radiation from sunbed use is the main environmental factor that can cause melanoma. If you have had severe sunburn or intense exposure to the sun in the past, particularly in childhood, then you are also at a higher risk. What are the signs of melanoma?