Enjoy sunny days without having to worry! The sun’s warming rays stimulate the body’s production of vitamin D and have a positive impact on our mood, but excessive sun exposure can take a toll on the health and beauty of our skin. Find out what your skin needs in the sun and discover the best sunscreen on Notino!

Why it’s important to protect your skin

Did you know that your skin remembers every instance of sunburn for a long time? Repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation, along with every instance of sunburn and sun-induced irritation, can affect the condition of our skin, even decades later. Although our immune system tries to repair or destroy damaged cells, its ability to do so is limited and becomes depleted over the years, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Dangerous UV radiation causes not only sunburn, but also premature skin ageing, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and the formation of pigment spots.

TIP: Protect your skin against the sun – not just in summer but all year round, even when it’s cloudy or you’re in the shade. Harmful radiation penetrates clouds and glass and even reflects off snow.

What causes UVA and UVB radiation

The sun produces ultraviolet rays that are harmful to our skin, eyes and hair. There are two types of harmful UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface and therefore our skin.

UVA rays (think A for ageing) account for about 95% of the UV radiation from the sun. UVA rays penetrate very deeply into the skin and are the main cause of skin ageing. And they affect the Earth all year round, even when it rains or it’s cloudy.
UVB rays (think B for burning) make up about 5% of the radiation and penetrate the epidermal layer of the skin, causing damage. Although this type of radiation stimulates melanin production, which is responsible for tanning, it also encourages the skin to burn.

What is SPF?

The sun protection factor, or SPF number, determines how long a sunscreen will protect your skin against UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the longer the skin is protected against redness and sunburn. For example, if your skin burns easily after 10 minutes in the sun, an SPF 30 sunscreen can increase that time by up to 30 times, i.e. up to 300 minutes. However, the resulting time also depends on your phototype, the latitude and correct application of the sunscreen.

SPF 15 filters about 93% of UVB rays.
SPF 30 helps filter about 97% of UVB rays.
SPF 50 filters up to 98% of UVB radiation.

How to choose a sunscreen

Are you undecided about which sunscreen to use at the beach, in the countryside or in the mountains? Sunscreens vary according to their SPF, their ability to protect against both types of UV rays, consistency, formula and way of application. But before you start choosing the best sunscreen, first you need to determine your phototype – in other words, how your skin reacts to the sun.

There are 6 basic phototypes.

Phototype 1 is characterised by very fair skin, red or light blonde hair and freckles. Sunscreen with SPF 50+ is suitable for this phototype as the skin usually burns, turns red, peels unpleasantly and does not tan when in the sun. The actual natural protection of skin with phototype 1 lasts for only 5 to 10 minutes.
Phototype 2 has fair to pale skin with freckles, the eyes are usually blue, grey or green and the hair is fair. The skin freckles quickly in the sun, burns easily, and the skin peels and tends to look red, so an SPF 50+ sunscreen is suitable and you can reduce the protection to SPF 30 once you have a basic tan. The actual protection of the skin with this phototype lasts for only 10 to 20 minutes.
Phototype 3 has light brown skin, usually brown eyes and either light brown or dark hair. This type tans very well, sunburn is rare, freckles may appear and the skin tans naturally. Both SPF 30 and SPF 50 sunscreens are suitable for this type. The skin of this phototype protects itself against sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes.
Phototype 4 has light brown or dark skin and dark eyes. This type practically never burns, and the skin darkens quickly. Even so, we recommend protecting your skin against harmful rays with an SPF 30 sunscreen. The actual skin protection lasts for 25 to 35 minutes.
Phototype 5 is characterised by dark brown or black skin and dark eyes. The natural hair colour is dark brown to black. Freckles do not usually form on this type; the skin darkens beautifully after sunbathing and hardly suffers from sunburn at all. We still recommend protecting your skin with a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Phototype 6 has very dark to black skin, eyes and hair. No freckles form on the skin and the skin darkens perfectly and does not burn. We still recommend using sunscreen.

TIP: Even if you have a higher phototype and don’t burn, always choose a higher SPF to minimise the risk of skin damage.

How do I choose the SPF?

Choose the appropriate SPF level for your phototype and depending on where you will be using the sunscreen.

For normal daily wear in temperate climates, products with lower protection are sufficient. In summer, increase the protection to SPF 30. For phototypes 1 and 2, we recommend sunscreen with SPF 50.
Always opt for a high SPF (SPF 30-50+) in the mountains and at the beach. In destinations closer to the equator, always reach for SPF 50+!

Types of sunscreen by consistency

Explore a wide selection of sunscreen lotions, creams, tanning oils and more:

Sunscreens and sun lotions are ideal for normal to drier skin. They have a pleasant consistency and absorb well, but be sure to apply them evenly. Generally, cream tends to be slightly thicker than sun lotion.
Spray sunscreen is very popular because of the ease of application. You can find both spray sunscreen and sun oil spray on the market.
A lightweight, invisible sun mist with SPF is really quick to apply, gets absorbed perfectly and does not leave a sticky film on your skin. It is also pleasantly refreshing on hot days.
Tanning oil often comes in the form of a dry oil, which does not leave the skin feeling greasy, is easy to apply and absorbs well. In addition, tanning oil keeps the skin perfectly nourished and supple. Raspberry, coconut and carrot oil are popular for tanning, but because of their low SPF they are more suitable for people with phototype 4 or above.
Tanning butter is great for dry skin, as it leaves it deeply nourished and locks in moisture.
Sun emulsions and fluids have a lighter consistency and non-greasy formula. They are ideal for everyday wear and, as non-comedogenic sunscreens, are suitable for oily and combination skin or during sports.
Sunscreen gels have excellent absorption, do not leave a greasy residue and are actually pleasantly cooling as well. They are suitable for more oily skin types or as protection during sports.
A roll-on sunscreen is basically sunscreen lotion with a roll-on applicator that makes it easy to use. They are available in a practical container that fits easily into your handbag.
A sunscreen stick is ideal for quick application to the nose, face, ears and other parts of the body, at any time of day, without getting your hands greasy.
Makeup with SPF, such as powder, BB cream and foundation with SPF, is suitable for complementing cream with SPF.

TIP: On sunny days, special hair sunscreen products with UV filters deliver protection against the sun for your hair and protect the beauty and colour of your locks, giving them the hydration and nourishment they need.

Special face sunscreens

To protect the delicate skin on your face, it’s better to choose a special sunscreen for the face. When choosing, focus on your skin type or any problem you have with your skin (there are also sunscreens for pigment spots, wrinkles or acne). On colder days, a face cream with SPF will also protect you, and for summer, choose a sunscreen with a high SPF.

TIP: Get a tanning mist for your face and carry it with you at all times during the summer. You can spray it on at any time during the day, even over makeup!

Broad-spectrum sunscreens

Broad-spectrum creams protect the skin against UVB and UVA rays at the same time. You can tell by the PA index (Protection Grade of UVA) given on the product packaging.

Natural sun creams

If you prefer natural cosmetics, try a natural sunscreen. They usually work mainly on the basis of physical filters that provide effective protection against UVB rays.

TIP: If your skin is very sensitive, dry to atopic, you can try a sunscreen for atopic skin, which is gentle on the skin and moisturises it gently.

Chemical vs. mineral filters in sunscreens

Simply put, protective filters are either chemical or mineral filters; some sunscreens combine these filters to achieve the best possible protection against harmful rays. What is the difference between a chemical filter and a mineral filter?

Synthetic filters, also called chemical filters, in sunscreens are able to penetrate deep into the skin, where they absorb UVB radiation effectively by simply converting it into heat. To be truly effective, these filters need to be absorbed into the skin sufficiently, so it is recommended that you apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun. Chemical filters are characterised by their light consistency and very easy application without leaving white spots on the skin.
Physical filters or mineral filters, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, on the other hand, do not penetrate the skin. Mineral sunscreen forms a protective layer on the surface of the skin that reflects UVB radiation away from the skin. Unlike synthetic filters, mineral sunscreens work immediately after being applied to the skin.

Sunscreen for kids

The delicate skin of children is highly susceptible to irritation and sunburn, so always protect children in the sun with a high SPF. Choose a children’s sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50+, a gentle formula and a lightweight consistency that’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly. As a rule, children’s sunscreen leaves fine white traces after being applied, which serves as a visual check for thorough application of the product. A sunscreen with a mineral filter is suitable for children with very sensitive skin as it is very gentle and works immediately upon application.

Choose a baby sunscreen with SPF 50+ and the gentlest formula. Remember that children under 3 years old should keep exposure to direct sunlight to a minimum, as children’s skin is incredibly delicate at this age. In this situation more than anywhere else, you should apply sunscreen to your baby even when in the shade.

TIP: In addition to a good-quality children’s sunscreen, give your little one a cap or a lightweight children’s hat for sunny days – and don’t forget sunglasses with UV filters for children.

How to use sunscreen

Sunscreen is only effective if applied correctly, regularly and in the recommended amount. How do I go about it?

Apply sunscreen with SPF to the face, neck, neckline and the rest of the body around 20 minutes before going out into the sun to ensure that it has been sufficiently absorbed.
Always apply sunscreen to the face after applying moisturiser and allow it to become absorbed before applying foundation.
Sunscreens with SPF should always be reapplied at least every 2 to 3 hours when sunbathing, and after any prolonged exposure to water or perspiration (even with water-resistant sunscreens).

TIP: After being out in the sun, give your skin the hydration, soothing care and nourishment it needs with high-quality after-sun creams.

More tips for healthy sunbathing

If you are planning to sunbathe, start preparing your skin a few weeks beforehand with a provitamin A called beta-carotene, which contributes to a beautiful and long-lasting tan.
Always protect your skin, even in shady or cloudy weather.
Do not use deodorants, antiperspirants or perfumes while sunbathing.
Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate the skin from the inside.
Try to avoid sunbathing between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its most intense.
Adjust the length of time you spend in the sun to your phototype, but don’t stay in direct sunlight for more than 4 hours.
Sunbathing during pregnancy requires a great deal of caution. If you’re pregnant, avoid sunbathing specifically and always use SPF 50+ sunscreens for sensitive skin or high factor sunscreens for children.
Pay attention to changes in your skin.

TIP: If you want to enjoy golden skin all year round, try a quality self-tanning products.

First aid for sunburn

As soon as the first signs appear on the skin, such as burning, itching and stinging, go into the shade or cover up. Skin redness itself may appear later.
Increase your fluid intake.
Cold compresses can help with sunburnt skin. Use water or a cooled infusion of black or green tea. Curd or yoghurt compresses are also suitable.
Showering in lukewarm water regularly helps to soothe the skin.
Treat the skin with regenerating products containing panthenol or other active ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin A or calendula.
Avoid the sun as much as possible until your skin recovers. Protect your skin in the sun by wearing looser, breathable clothing.
Never pop blisters.
If you are in pain, consider taking painkillers, ideally ones with anti-inflammatory effects.
Seek medical advice in the event of severe sunburn.

What helps with sun allergies?

A sun allergy is an extreme response to the sun on the part of the immune system. This can often occur on holiday, when we leave a temperate climate and head for the tropics. Strong UV rays on exposed parts of the body can cause hives, or itchy, red blisters that ooze. If you are suffering from a sun rash, we recommend using a special sunscreen for sun allergies, sunbathing carefully and regularly and strengthening your immunity, which affects the skin’s response to the sun’s rays.

Do you love sunbathing but are afraid of sunburn? The best sunscreen for face and body, sun creams with mineral filters, nourishing dry tanning oils and tanning accelerators are waiting for you at notino.co.uk.