THE ACRONYM
SSPF
Shocking to think that only 75 per cent of us know that SPF is the acronym for sun protection factor, and even less of us know what it really means. It’s quite simple, when you see an SPF rating on your sunscreen, this usually refers to protection from UVB rays only - and does not also include protection from harmful UVA rays (you’ll usually see these indicated by a separate “star” rating). The number refers to the level of protection offered - for example two is the lowest level and 50+ would be the highest.
UVB
UVB (short-wave ultraviolet B) rays, These are the devils literally of skin reddening and sunburn, this nasty damaging rays can damage your skins superficial epidermal layers and are capable of causing skin cancer. Not only can these rays make you look bad, they feel bad, and are utterly terrible for you. Don’t let them near you at ALL.
UVA
UVA (long-wave ultraviolet A) These very persistent rays are able to penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays, these are the ones you need to watch out for when it comes to skin ageing and wrinkles, They are unscrupulous too, as they also can cause skin cancer.
UVC
Fortunately UVC (short-wave ultraviolet C) rays can not reach us as they’re completely filtered by the Earth’s natural atmosphere - these rays are incredibly damaging, they are probably the most harmful type of UV radiation of all so be thankful they’re kept at bay.
NUMBER CRUNCHING
15
The very lowest SPF protection level recommended by the NHS or Cancer Research UK. Don’t even think about a 2 or a 4, UNLESS of course the idea of skin damage appeals to you, which I doubt.
4
This is the minimum “star rating” recommended for UVA protection during prolonged sun exposure.
2
Cancer Research UK measures the amount of suncream we should be applying in spoons - around two teaspoonfuls of sunscreen if you’re just covering your head, arms and neck, or around two tablespoonfuls if you’re covering your entire body.
30
Try to please apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out into the sun.
2 to 3
The shelf life in years of most sun creams, if in doubt though, just bin it. Better to be safe.
11 to 3
The ‘risky’ hours, during these should step into the shade - right in the middle of the day when you’re at the most risk of sun damage. Siesta time?