Before we get into the specifics, here's how to read a bottle of bargain suncream, to ensure that it's here for the protection you need. Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto tells us the most common sunscreen mistakes and myths, so they can be avoided in future. Sunscreen should be reapplied straight after you have been in water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. Children and sun protection

As a guide, adults should aim to apply around 6 to 8 teaspoons of sunscreen if you're covering your entire body.We all know that we need to protect our skin from the sun. But it can get confusing knowing what’s what when it comes to suncare: UVA, UVB, SPF – what does it all mean? If you’re unsure, it could mean you’re not getting the level of protection your skin needs. Take a look at our easy guide to understanding sun protection to help you stay safe throughout the summer months.

This includes applying it straight after you have been in water, even if it's "water resistant", and after towel drying, sweating or when it may have rubbed off. This cute yellow bottle might only contain 40ml of SPF, but its small size is exactly what makes it the perfect SPF to carry around.

The sun protection factor, or SPF, is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection. The industry guideline for water-resistant sun creams allows the SPF of a product to drop by 50% after a total of 40 minutes in water. Water-resistance testing also takes place in what is essentially a bath – using tap water. Coola's sunscreen spray is hands down the most pleasurable, luxurious sunscreen out there. We've been using this brand's products for at least four years, and it's our go-to for everything from beach holidays to pub garden days.

To ensure they get enough vitamin D, all children under 5 are advised to take vitamin D supplements. Protect your eyes in the sun Natural sunscreens: Sunscreens labelled as natural tend to be mineral based therefore containing zinc or titanium. They are good for immediate protection. We tested this product out when sunbathing on a sunny day in the garden and found it to be effective and incredibly moisturising on my skin (thanks to the added glycerin). Williams JD, Maitra P, Atillasoy E, Wu MM, Farberg AS, Rigel DS. SPF 100+ sunscreen is more protective against sunburn than SPF 50+ in actual use: Results of a randomized, double-blind, split-face, natural sunlight exposure clinical trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78(5):902-910.e2. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.12.062 Find out what you need to know about 'once a day' sun creams, water-resistant sun creams, sensitive sun screen and the best kids' sun cream too.Type of Sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 50+; Water-Resistant: No; Size: 40ml; Star ingredients: Acerola cherry extract and spirulina; Vegan: Yes Where to buy sun creams in the UK? The truth is, most of us think we're protecting our skin all day when we apply our SPF lotion on our faces in the morning. However, that's not totally accurate. You might not want to hear it, but SPF will only protect you for around two to six hours (depending on sun exposure and sweat), so you need to reapply throughout the day. However, you won't be doing that if you're wearing makeup. So, that's where this genius product comes into it. Seek medical help if you feel unwell or the skin swells badly or blisters. Stay out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone. Pros: SPF 50, doesn't pill, absorbs fast, UVA and UVB protection, oil-free, lightweight, doesn't clog pores, no white cast, contains moisturising ingredients It goes without saying that you need protection from both UVA and UVB in your sun protection, and, thankfully, almost all of today’s sun creams offer this. How do you know? Look for the words ‘broad spectrum’ on the bottle.