How much sunscreen should you be using? Here’s our guide to staying safe during the heatwave
AS Britain prepares to bake in a scorching summer heatwave, it's more important than ever to make sure you're protected from the sun's rays.
It's finally time to get the suntan lotion out and bask in the glorious heat, but do you know how much sunscreen you should be using to keep you and your family safe?
Our sunscreen FAQ will help you to make the most of the summer, whilst making sure that you and your family are staying safe.
How often should I lotion up?
Experts are divided when it comes to exactly how often you should be applying sunscreen, but they all agree that the more you use, the safer you'll be.
You should apply lotion regularly throughout the day, starting in the morning before you first step out into the sun.
Even if your lotion claims it only needs one application per day, you should ignore this suggestion, since sunscreen rubs and washes off very easily.
How much sunscreen should I use?
Cancer Research experts claim people typically apply far less lotion than they should, adding that you should use around two teaspoonfuls of sunscreen for your head, arms and neck.
And if you're covering your whole body, you should be using around two tablespoons' worth of lotion.
What sunscreen should I choose?
that, when it comes to choosing sunscreen, you shouldn't dip below factor 15 to ensure you're protected from deadly UVB rays.
Above factor 15, there isn't much difference in protection, and the charity warns that you shouldn't let high factors lure you into a false sense of security as a result.
Meanwhile, you should also pay attention to the star rating on the bottle, with a four star rating needed to guarantee UVA protection.
If the bottle comes with the letters UVA in a circle, then it means the lotion meets the EU standard for UV protection.
How else can I keep safe in the sun?
The charity advises that you should also cover up with clothes as much as the heat allows, since it's important to remember that no sunscreen can keep you 100% protected.
Don't overestimate the ability of sunscreen to keep you safe - you shouldn't stay out in the sun with lotion on for any longer than you would without it.
And when the sun is at it's peak, usually between 11am and 3pm, be sure to spend some time in the shade to give your skin a break.
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