Apply to all exposed areas especially those that are prone to sun radiation e.g. face, nose, receding hairline, shoulders and feet. There are a number of criteria to consider when choosing the best sun cream for your skin, and these include sun protection factor (SPF), UV protection, water resistance and sun cream type - as well as ease of application and how it feels on your skin. Sun protection factor: SPF indicates how long it may take you to get burned after applying sun cream, and is measured in numbers. The higher the SPF number, the more time you may be able to spend in the sun without getting burned. If you're someone who's in and out of the pool or sea when the sun comes out, then this formula from Bondi Sands might be the one for you. It's specially formulated to be water resistant for four hours - far longer than the 40 minute criteria that other water resistant sun creams must meet. It's infused with ethically sourced algae for deep hydration and is, of course, reef friendly too. For environmentally conscious sun-seekers, this sun cream by Forever Living is the one to go for. It won the best sunscreen category in the Green Parent Beauty Awards in 2021, and it's vegan and cruelty-free. The inclusion of aloe vera and vitamin E is extra moisturising and soothes the skin, and the formula promises to be water resistant for 80 minutes.

Calypso Once A Day Sun Protection SPF 30 | Morrisons Calypso Once A Day Sun Protection SPF 30 | Morrisons

Dr Paul Banwell, who runs The Banwell Clinic and is the previous head and founder of The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit (MASCU) in East Grinstead, agrees. He told us: "I cannot emphasise enough the importance of selecting a broad spectrum sunscreen, which will protect against UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays cause redness and sunburn as well as skin cancer, while UVA rays can also cause cancer as well as ageing of the skin. Newer sunscreens have infrared (IR) protection too and should be considered." Sun creams to avoid: The warning signs to look out for UV protection: Sun creams receive a UV star rating out of 5, which measures how well a sunscreen protects against the sun’s UVA rays. Broad-spectrum sun creams protect against both UVA and UVB rays. If your face or certain areas of skin are going to be super exposed to the sun for long periods then you should not only rely on suncream but wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses and cover the upper body with a rash vest or long-sleeved light cotton top. Sun cream alone cannot completely protect the skin from direct UV rays over a longer period of time." How often should I reapply sun cream? Dr Paul Banwell told us, "Some sunscreens use chemicals, such as oxybenzone, a known- allergen, and avobenzone to absorb UV rays, which can be detected in the body at harmful levels." Water resistance: For a sun cream to be water resistant, it must have undergone testing to show that it stays effective for at least 40 minutes in the water. After this time, you will need to reapply.I would avoidOctinoxate,which is harmful to coral reefs and can cause skin allergies as well asAvobenzone,which can cause high levels of irritation. You also need to avoid Retinyl Palmitate, which does not mix well with the sun. When mixed with the sun, it can be potentially cancerous." He added, "Most people apply sunscreen too thinly and that means protection is reduced. An adult should be applying around six to eight teaspoons to cover their body. He added, "Other ingredients that may cause reactions include benzophenones, cinnamates and dibenzoylmethane. Always be aware of the strength of the sun. Never exceed sun exposure for longer than your skin allows. Remember - all skin types are different.

Calypso - Once A Day - Sun Protection Calypso - Once A Day - Sun Protection

Dermatologist and cosmetologistDr Eva Melegh told us: "If you are prone to sensitive skin or you are applying suncream to children’s skin then you it’s best to opt for mineral sun creams as opposed to chemical filter ones, as they have less chance of causing a skin reaction to sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin a very helpful product is Kalme Undercoatwhich is designed to wear under sun creams to reduce the risk of skin reactions." Oxybenzoneis another ingredient to avoid as it is easily absorbed by the skin and enters the bloodstream, and it can disrupt your hormones as well as causing terrible harm to the environment.Avoid sun exposure between 11am - 3pm. Seek shade and always protect children with a hat, loose clothing and high SPF protection. It's always best to choose sun creams that have an SPF of 30 or above, and a UV star rating of at least four stars, as these will protect you best. In addition, some sun creams contain chemicals that some people may find irritating or cause a reaction on their skin. The NHS recommends reapplying sun cream every two hours, as the sun can dry it off your skin. They add that when applying sun cream for the first time that day you should do this twice: 30 minutes before going out and again just before leaving.