Sunscreen: how to choose and use it correctly
Sunscreen protects the skin from sunburn and other damage caused by UV rays. However, even the best sunscreen will only protect you if you apply enough of it.
In this article you will learn what the SPF and UVA labels mean, how much sunscreen you need and how to choose a suitable product for the face, body or children.
In brief. The sun lifts the mood, and the right sunscreen helps you enjoy it more safely. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher protection and the UVA logo on the packaging.1 Apply sunscreen generously and reapply at least every 2 hours, as well as after swimming or heavy sweating.2 The best protection is several things together: stay in the shade around midday, and wear light clothing, a hat and sunglasses.2
What do SPF and UVA mean?
Sunlight contains two types of UV rays. UVB rays mainly cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper and contribute to skin ageing.2
- SPF shows how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays.
- The UVA logo in a circle shows that the UVA protection is at least one third of the SPF value.1
| Protection level | SPF | When it is suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 6–101 | Not recommended for fair skin |
| Medium | 15–251 | For short periods outdoors |
| High | 30–501 | For most people, every day and on holiday |
| Very high | 50+1 | For fair or sensitive skin, children, in the mountains and by the sea |
No sunscreen protects 100%. That is why claims such as “total protection” or “no need to reapply” are misleading.1
How much sunscreen should you apply?
The most common mistake is applying too little sunscreen. The protection is then considerably weaker than the SPF indicates.1
Example. For an adult's face, neck and hands, you need about 2 teaspoons of sunscreen. If you are wearing a swimsuit, you need about 2 tablespoons for the whole body.2 So a 200 ml bottle will last one person only a few days at the seaside.
How to apply it correctly
- Apply about 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and once more just before you go out.2
- Reapply at least every 2 hours, after swimming, after sweating and after drying with a towel.2
- Don't forget the ears, neck, feet and bald areas of the scalp.
- Check the expiry date. A sunscreen that is past its expiry date may protect less well.2
Be especially careful when the UV index is 3 or higher. Many weather apps show it.3
What do studies show?
In one study, 903 adults applied sunscreen daily or used it as they normally would for 4.5 years. In those who applied it daily, signs of skin ageing barely increased over that time.4
In another study, 1,621 adults used sunscreen daily for 4 years. Over the following 10 years, melanoma was diagnosed in them about half as often as in those who used sunscreen as needed.5
How to choose a sunscreen
| For whom | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Face, every day | A light fluid or cream with SPF 30–50+ that is convenient to apply under make-up |
| Oily skin | A light, non-comedogenic texture |
| Body, beach | Water-resistant, SPF 30–50+ |
| Sport | A water- and sweat-resistant spray or emulsion |
| Children from 6 months | SPF 50+, designed for children. Keep babies under 6 months in the shade.2 |
Selected sunscreens
Commercial information. These are products available in our shop. This is not an efficacy ranking. Before buying, check the ingredients and instructions for use on the product page.
Dax Sun Family Sunscreen Emulsion for Adults and Children SPF50 200ml
SPF 50 body emulsion with UVA/UVB filters, water-resistant. The manufacturer states that it is suitable for adults and children from 6 months. Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming.6
GARNIER Skin Naturals Invisible Daily UV Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF50+ 40ml
Light SPF 50+ face fluid with UVA and UVB protection, a vitamin C derivative and hyaluronic acid. Intended for daily application in the morning and suitable under make-up. Shake before use.7
EVELINE SPF 50 Light Care Cream Filters+Niacinamide for oily and combination skin 30 ml
Light SPF 50 face cream with UVA/UVB filters and niacinamide. Intended for oily and combination skin, it gives a matte effect. Apply in the morning to the face, neck and décolleté.8
Dax Sun Transparent Active+ SPF30 sun protection spray 200ml
Transparent SPF 30 spray, very water- and sweat-resistant, intended for active time outdoors. It contains alcohol, so it may be too drying for very dry skin. Spray it onto your palms first and only then apply it to your face.9
Frequently asked questions
Does sunscreen prevent vitamin D production?
A review of studies found that daily sunscreen use has no significant effect on blood vitamin D levels.10
Do I need to apply sunscreen on a cloudy day?
Yes, if the UV index is 3 or higher. Some UV rays also pass through clouds.3
Can I use sunscreen I bought last year?
Check the expiry date stated on the packaging and the open jar symbol (e.g. “12M”). It shows how many months the product can be used after opening.
Scientific sources
- Commission Recommendation 2006/647/EC on the efficacy of sunscreen products and the claims made relating thereto. EUR-Lex
- NHS. Sunscreen and sun safety. nhs.uk
- World Health Organization (WHO). Ultraviolet radiation. Fact sheet. who.int
- Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, Green AC. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2013;158(11):781–790. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002
- Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29(3):257–263. doi:10.1200/JCO.2010.28.7078
- Dax Sun. Family Sunscreen Emulsion for Adults and Children SPF 50, 200 ml. Product label.
- Garnier. Skin Naturals Daily UV SPF 50+ Invisible, 40 ml. Product label.
- Eveline. SPF 50 Light Care Cream, 30 ml. Product label.
- Dax Sun. Transparent Active+ SPF 30, 200 ml. Product label.
- Neale RE, Khan SR, Lucas RM et al. The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review. Br J Dermatol. 2019;181(5):907–915. doi:10.1111/bjd.17980
Disclaimer. This article is for information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist. If a new mole has appeared on your skin or an existing one is changing, consult a doctor.
