When we're spending hours outside in the sun, we take it for granted that our sunscreen is giving us the protection it should. But this isn't always the case.

The sun is the number one cause of skin damage and every time you get sunburned, your risk of developing deadly melanoma later in life increases. And if there's one subject skin care experts agree on, it's the need to use a sunscreen every day. Wearing sunscreen is supposed to help protect us from the hazardous sun's rays. But do they really work?


1. Choose the right sunscreen for your skin type
For a sunscreen to work properly, it has to be right for your skin type. All sunscreens have a sun protection factor (SPF) which protects us against damaging UV rays and the higher the SPF rating, the more protection you'll get. Since people with pale complexions tend to burn faster than those with darker or olive skin, they would need a sunscreen with a higher SPF.

2. Understanding the SPF number

SPF’s protect against UVB rays which cause sunburn. The number indicated on the bottle provides us with a guide as to how long we can stay in the sun without burning. For instance, if your skin burns after spending ten minutes in the sun, then a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would theoretically allow you to spend 15 times longer in the sun without burning.

3. Shelf life

All sunscreens have a shelf life.  Most bottles have a label showing how many months it will remain effective after opening and this can be anything from 12 to 24 months. So if you're going on holiday and taking along an old bottle of sunscreen that's been lying around in a cupboard for years, you'd be better off throwing it away and buying a new bottle.

4. Application

Sunscreens will work as long as you use enough. Studies show most people use less than half the amount of sunscreen needed to provide adequate protection. For your sunscreen to do its job properly, you need to apply at least a tablespoon for each area of your body.

5. When to use

You should use a sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy. It's quite surprising but the sun's rays can still reach us through glass. So if you're sitting inside next to a window or spend long hours driving, you can still be at risk from sun damage.  And even in shady areas outside you can burn because the sun's rays reflect off buildings, water and sand. And of course, the sunnier it is, the more important it is to use your sunscreen.

6. How often to apply

You need to reapply sunscreen every hour throughout the day if you're active. Sweating, water and clothing rubbing against your skin will cause the sunscreen to wear off and become less effective. And if you're planning on doing a lot of swimming, it's better to invest in a good waterproof sunscreen which will provide longer lasting protection.

We're all being made aware of the dangers of getting sunburned. And one of the best ways you can protect yourself against this happening is to wear a sunscreen. There are so many types available now with lotions, sprays, gels and oils, we're spoilt for choice. And as long as you buy the right sunscreen for your skin type, you can have every confidence that your sunscreen will really work and do the job it promises on the bottle.