UNDERSTANDING SUNCREAM

There are a number of important things to consider when
selecting the sun screen that is right for you and your skin.

UV Rays Explained

The sun emits two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that we need
protection against - UVA and UVB. Both are harmful to the skin in
different ways.

RECOMMENDATION A sun screen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation (called 'broad spectrum' sun screen) offers the best protection. Opt for a sunscreen with at least SPF 12 and that offers good UVA protection (at least three stars).

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and cause cell damage that is responsible for sun induced skin ageing (e.g. wrinkles) and skin cancer. The number of stars on a sun cream indicates the strength of the protection it offers against UVA rays.

UVB rays burn the top layer of skin causing sunburn and cell damage that can also lead to cancer. A sunscreen that protects against UVB rays will help prevent this. The amount of protection a product offers is measured by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF).

Skin Type
Very Fair Skin
Fair Skin
Normal Skin
Olive/Dark Skin
Sensitive Skin
Facial Skin
Children's Skin
LowTemperature
Up to 100C
First few days in the sun
Following days
SPF50
SPF25+
SPF50
SPF25+
SPF25
SPF12-15
SPF15-25
SPF12
SPF50
SPF25
SPF25+
SPF15-25
SPF50
SPF25
HotTemperature
200C - 290C
First few days in the sun
Following days
SPF50
SPF25+
SPF50
SPF20+
SPF25+
SPF12-20
SPF15-25
SPF12
SPF50
SPF25
SPF50
SPF25+
SPF50
SPF50
VeryHotTemperature
300C+
First few days in the sun
Following days
SPF50
SPF50
SPF50
SPF25+
SPF25+
SPF12-20
SPF25+
SPF15
SPF50
SPF50
SPF50
SPF50
SPF50
SPF50
  • Aids the skin's healing process
  • Reduces redness
  • Cools irritation
  • Eases discomfort
  • Reduces chance of peeling

Available from pharmacies
and retailers nationwide

1 in 6
people don’t know
which sun protection factor
they should be using

How do I know what suncream to use?

SUN PROTECTION FACTOR

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) you choose should depend on your skin type and how
long you can stay in the sun before your
skin starts to redden(see the table on the
next page for guidance). A sun screen
with SPF20 means you should get
twenty times your skin's natural
protection against burning. This, however,
is only applicable if you apply the sun
screen generously and frequently.