Know your sunscreen: UVA and UVB safety ratings | Tenant news

Did you know that nearly one in 41 women and one in 35 men in the UK will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the cells that give your skin its colour and is often caused by too much sun exposure.

That’s why knowing the difference between Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays and what sunscreen labels mean will help you pick the right one and keep your skin safe.

What are UV rays?

The sun gives off invisible rays called ultraviolet (UV) rays, and the two main types are UVA and UVB. These rays reach your skin when you’re outside, even on cloudy days.

UVA rays go deep into your skin and can cause signs of ageing like wrinkles. Over time, they can also raise your risk of skin cancer.

UVB rays mostly affect the top layer of your skin and are the main cause of sunburn. To stay protected, you need sunscreen that guards against both UVA and UVB rays.

Understanding SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, the ones responsible for sunburn.

For example, an SPF 30 means it would take 30 times longer for your skin to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. However, SPF does not measure protection against UVA rays, so relying solely on SPF can leave you vulnerable to deeper skin damage.

Sunscreen and other protection

To make sure you’re protected from both UVA and UVB rays, choose sunscreens labelled as broad-spectrum. This means the product has been tested and proven to guard against the full range of UV radiation.

Without broad-spectrum protection, you might prevent sunburn but still suffer from skin aging or increased cancer risk caused by UVA rays.

Some products in the UK also have a small circle with ‘UVA’ inside it, which shows they meet the right standard for UVA protection.

Whether you're spending the day in the garden, heading to the beach, or just taking the kids to the park, here are a few tips to help keep everyone protected:

• Put sunscreen on about 15 minutes before going outside and cover all exposed skin.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you’ve been swimming, sweating or towelling off.
• Use other protection too: hats, sunglasses, t-shirts, and sit in the shade during the hottest part of the day (usually 11 am to 3 pm).

Protection for children

Children’s skin is more delicate and can burn more easily, so it’s especially important to protect them well when they’re outside.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to keep your children safe from both UVA and UVB rays.

Look for sunscreens that are labelled as suitable for children or sensitive skin, as these are usually gentler and less likely to irritate.

Remember to apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas, including ears, neck, and the backs of hands. It can make a big difference in keeping you and your family safe in the sun.

If you need more information on sunscreen and sun safety, visit the NHS website.

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