Are you applying suntan lotion incorrectly?
New study warns that sunscreen users are getting less than half the protection they expect
Sunscreen users are being urged to take more care when applying lotions in order to properly protect their skin, as temperatures continue to soar across the UK.
A new study has found that while using sun protection factor (SPF) 15 sunscreen should be enough to stop sun damage in theory, many people put on sun lotions and creams too thinly or unevenly for them to be effective.
“In reality, people need SPF 30 or 50 to be safe, say the study authors, who carried out experiments with volunteers in their lab”, reports the BBC.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“There is no dispute that sunscreen provides important protection against the cancer-causing impact of the Sun’s ultraviolet rays,” said Professor Antony Young, who led the study at King’s College London.
“However, what this research shows is that the way sunscreen is applied plays an important role in determining how effective it is.”
How much suntan lotion should you use?
SPF ratings are “based on the assumption that a 2mg blob will cover 1 sq cm of skin”, according to BBC.
But previous research has found that users typically apply between 20% and 60% of the amount needed to achieve the advertised SPF, reports The Independent.
Factor 50 lotion applied in the typical way would, at best, provide less than half of the expected protection, the new study found.
For proper coverage, you need to apply at least six full teaspoons (36g) to cover the body of an average adult, with more than half a teaspoon each for the face, neck and the ears, and for each arm. More than one teaspoon should be applied to each leg, the chest and abdomen area, and the back.
It is also important to reapply sunscreen as required. Most lotions should be reapplied at least every two hours and immediately after swimming, says the BBC.
The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) recommends putting on sunscreen between 15 and 30 minutes before going out into the sunshine, to give it time to dry, and topping up again shortly after heading outdoors, to cover any missed patches.
What factor suntan lotion should you go for?
The NHS states that when buying sunscreen the label “should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVB and at least four-star UVA protection”. UVA, or ultraviolet A radiation, protection can also be indicated by the letters “UVA” in a circle, which indicates that it meets the European Union standard, the site adds.
Consider your surroundings too. According to BAD statistics, the reflection of the Sun’s rays can increase the power of the radiation by up to 85% in snow, 17% in sand and up to 5% in water.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why are meteorologists worried Trump could ruin their forecasts?
Today's Big Question How a conservative push to dismantle a little-known government agency could lead to big headaches for anyone hoping to get a handle on their local weather
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Such wrongdoing encourages foreign corrupt practices'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Can Japan's new prime minister govern effectively?
In The Spotlight A 'popular gadfly' gets the top job
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
The Earth just saw its hottest day on record
Speed Read July 21, 2024 was the hottest day in recorded global history
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Prisons are simply not prepared for extreme heat
Under the radar Inmates are at severe risk of heat-related illness
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Sweltering heat wave hits much of the United States
Speed Read An excessive heat warning was in effect for 10% of the country's population
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The hottest July: America’s Southwest boils in the heat
feature Phoenix residents have suffered burns after falling on the city’s scalding roads
By The Week Staff Published
-
How to make homes cooler without cranking up the air conditioning
feature Air conditioners often become the default solution when temperatures rise but they’re not the only answer
By The Week Staff Published
-
Is climate change to blame for Europe’s blistering heatwave?
feature As temperatures continue to warm, we are seeing changes in the atmosphere that leads to increased occurrences of extreme temperatures
By The Week Staff Published
-
UK braced for drought and floods at the same time
Speed Read Prolonged dry spell to come to an end this week but 24 million people still face hosepipe ban
By The Week Staff Published
-
When will the next record-breaking heatwave hit Britain?
Today's Big Question Expert warns that yesterday’s high temperatures are ‘just the beginning’
By Chas Newkey-Burden Published