In the UK, the NHS and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) recommend a sunscreen with at least SPF30 to protect against UVB, plus at least 4 UVA stars (or the UVA circle logo) to protect against UVA. Apply it generously before you go out, reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or towel drying, and use it alongside shade and clothing rather than instead of them.
Sunscreen labels can be confusing. There are numbers, stars, circles and claims about water resistance, and it is not always obvious which matters most. This guide explains what the labels mean, what to look for when you buy, and how to use sunscreen properly so you actually get the protection on the bottle.
What is the difference between UVA and UVB?
Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that affect your skin. According to the BAD, both UVA and UVB are linked to skin ageing and skin cancer, while UVB is largely responsible for sunburn. A good sunscreen needs to protect against both, which is why UK products carry two separate ratings.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. It is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB. The higher the number, the more UVB protection it gives.
The NHS advises using a sunscreen of at least SPF30, and the BAD also recommends SPF30 or above. Children should also wear at least SPF30.
What does the UVA star rating mean?
SPF tells you nothing about UVA on its own. Most sunscreens sold in the UK use a star rating of up to 5 stars to show UVA protection. The more stars, the more UVA protection you get.
The NHS recommends choosing a sunscreen with at least 4 stars, and the BAD recommends 4 or 5 stars. Some products show a UVA logo (the letters UVA in a circle) instead, which also indicates good UVA protection.
What should you look for on the label?
| Label feature | What it tells you | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| SPF number | Protection against UVB, the main cause of sunburn | SPF30 or higher |
| UVA star rating | Protection against UVA | 4 or 5 stars |
| UVA circle logo | Balanced UVA protection alongside the SPF | An alternative to the star rating |
| Open-jar symbol (for example "12M") | How many months the product lasts once opened | Replace it once this time has passed |
| Water resistant | The product is designed to stay on better in water | Still reapply after swimming and towel drying |
How much sunscreen should you use?
Most people do not use enough. The NHS says adults need around 6 to 8 teaspoons of lotion to cover the whole body, and warns that applying it too thinly reduces the protection it gives. The BAD advises applying sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin and spreading it as evenly as possible.
Areas that are easy to miss include the ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet, and the scalp where hair is thin or parted.
When should you apply and reapply?
If you will be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, the NHS suggests applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and again just before you go out. The BAD gives similar advice: apply 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and then reapply shortly after. The second layer helps to cover any patches you missed.
After that, reapply:
- every 2 hours
- straight after swimming or towel drying
- after sweating heavily or anything that may rub it off, such as sport
The NHS says this applies even to water-resistant products.
When is the UK sun strongest?
The NHS advises that the sun is strongest in the UK between 11am and 3pm from March to October. These are the hours to seek shade and cover up, especially for children. It also suggests thinking about sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or higher, so it is worth checking the UV forecast in your weather app before a day outdoors.
The BAD notes that year-round sunscreen use is not usually needed in the UK, except for people with certain medical conditions, but that sun protection matters whenever UV levels are high, including on holiday abroad.
Is sunscreen enough on its own?
No. The BAD stresses that sunscreen should be used together with shade and clothing, not as a replacement for them, and that no sunscreen gives 100% protection. Clothing is a very effective barrier, and a wide-brimmed hat helps protect the face, ears and neck.
The BAD also points out that shade does not block all UV, because some is scattered and reflected, so you may still need sunscreen or clothing when sitting under an umbrella. For your eyes, the NHS recommends sunglasses with the CE mark and British Standard 12312-1:2013 E.
What about babies and children?
The NHS advises keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight. The BAD suggests avoiding sunscreen on young babies unless there is no other option, and then using only small amounts of a high-SPF product on small areas, such as the cheeks and the backs of the hands.
For older children, the NHS recommends covering up, using shade (especially from 11am to 3pm between March and October) and applying at least SPF30.
Quick sun-safety checklist
- Choose SPF30 or higher with 4 or 5 UVA stars or the UVA logo.
- Check the open-jar symbol and replace old bottles.
- Apply generously before going out, and again just before you leave.
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towel drying or sweating.
- Seek shade between 11am and 3pm from March to October.
- Cover up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and suitable sunglasses.
- Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun.
Frequently asked questions
Is SPF50 twice as good as SPF30?
Not exactly. A higher SPF does give more UVB protection, but how you apply it matters a great deal. The NHS and BAD recommend at least SPF30, used in a generous amount and reapplied regularly. The NHS warns that applying any sunscreen too thinly reduces the protection it gives, so the amount you use matters as much as the number on the bottle.
Does SPF in moisturiser or make-up count?
The BAD notes that SPF in moisturisers gives much less protection than the same SPF in a sunscreen, mainly because people apply them more thinly. For longer time outdoors, use a dedicated sunscreen.
Can I use last year's sunscreen?
Check the open-jar symbol on the pack, which shows how many months it lasts after opening. The BAD says sunscreens typically last about 30 months and should be stored somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight.
Do I need sunscreen on a cloudy UK day?
Clouds do not tell you much on their own, so go by the UV index rather than how sunny it looks. The NHS suggests checking the UV index and protecting your skin when it is 3 or higher, particularly between 11am and 3pm from March to October.
Sources
- NHS: Sunscreen and sun safety
- British Association of Dermatologists: Sunscreen fact sheet
- British Association of Dermatologists: How to reduce the risk of skin cancer
General information only, not medical advice. If you notice a new or changing mole or skin patch, or have severe sunburn, speak to your GP or pharmacist, or call NHS 111.