SKIN JOURNAL · Everyday skin care
Sunscreen: look beyond the SPF number.
A short guide to UVA protection, cloudy days and getting more from your sunscreen.
Two things to check on the label
NHS guidance recommends at least SPF 30 and a UVA rating of four stars or more. SPF describes UVB protection; the UVA rating tells you something different. A circled UVA logo also indicates that a product meets the EU UVA standard.
Cloudy does not mean UV-free
Sunburn can happen in the UK even on cloudy days. Check the UV index: the NHS advises considering protection when it reaches 3. Use clothing and shade as well as sunscreen, especially around the middle of the day.
The everyday habit that matters
Apply enough, cover exposed areas and follow the label. Reapply every two hours when in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Check expiry and the open-jar symbol. A higher SPF is not permission to stay out longer.
Read the sources
- Public health guidanceNHS: Sunscreen and sun safety (opens in a new tab)
Written as a general educational summary. It is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment recommendation. External sources may change after the date shown above.