Sun cream is the most effective way of protecting you from the sun’s harsh rays, especially for those with sensitive skin. The problem resides with finding the most appropriate sun cream to suit you and your skin type. 

We’ve created an easy-to-follow guide to explain the differences between the different types of sun cream so you can pick the best one for yourself!

SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This number, usually between 2 and 50+, is often printed on the front of the bottle. This unit is representative of the amount of time needed to burn the protected skin when compared to skin with no sun cream. The higher the factor, the more protection. It is recommended that you don’t use cream any lower than factor 15. Those with sensitive skin should stick with factor 50 to ensure that their skin isn’t damaged.

Star Rating

Most sun cream bottles will include a 5-star rating system which represents the level of protection from UVA (ultraviolet A) rays which can be harmful to your skin. More stars means a more effective product so look for a sun cream with a rating of 4 to 5 stars for sufficient protection.  

Sun Cream Types

Sun protection is available in a variety of types. These include oils, creams, roll-ons and sprays. Spray-on sun cream is very quick and efficient but is less likely to provide full coverage of your skin which can result in damage. Those with sensitive skin should opt for a more manual application to make sure the exposed areas are completely protected. Some sun creams are designed specifically for those with sensitive skin to avoid irritation.

Tips

Make sure that you apply the correct amount of sun cream. The World Health Organization recommends 35ml (7tsp) of cream for the whole body, which is more than the average person applies. If you’re planning on swimming, keep in mind that 40 minutes in the water will decrease your sun protection by around 50%. Children require more skin protection than adults, so always use a higher strength cream for the little ones.

This is not medical advice, and always be sure to speak to a doctor before changing anything about your lifestyle.