We all know the importance of using sun protection, but a survey by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society shows that there is huge confusion around labelling on sun creams, with a significant percentage of the public unaware how much protection their sun creams offer.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted in 2015, found that one in five was unaware that the SPF rating of a sun cream does not offer protection against all sun damage.
Only 8% of people surveyed knew that the SPF rating of a sun cream only refers to the protection from UVB radiation (the rays that burn), meaning that 92% of people had no idea that SPF ratings offer no indication of UVA protection.
What are UVA rays?
UVA rays cause long term cell damage in the deeper layers of the skin and are the main cause of premature skin ageing and wrinkles.
UVA rays can still cause damage even if your skin hasn’t gone red and burned; this means that whilst you may believe you are getting good protection from your sun cream, your skin may still be experiencing damage.
To maintain high protection from both UVA and UVB rays it is very important to apply sun cream regularly and liberally.
Cancer Research recommends that two tablespoons of sun cream is applied every 2 hours; it is also advised that people avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 11:00 and 15:00 when the sun’s harmful rays are strongest.
How to check UVA rating
Some people prefer to use the star rating to determine the level of UVA protection that their sun care offers, but there is another way to check the UVA of your natural sun lotion.
The European Cosmetics Association COLIPA has designed a symbol to indicate whether products offer UVA protection in line with the Recommendations of the European Commission.
Apply regularly - no matter the factor
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) there can be a tendency for people who use very high factor sun creams to reapply less frequently and stay in the sun longer than when they use lower factor sun lotions.
However in order to get good UVA defence, you must regularly top up your protection no matter what the SPF.
Effective & ocean-friendly sunscreens
Green People offers an ocean-friendly sun care range for all the family which uses an expert blend of earth minerals, the mountain flower Edelweiss and other effective, gentle filters to protect your skin.
These award-winning formulations are rich in a synergistic blend of natural antioxidants, skin vitamins and anti-inflammatory actives to help support the skin’s immune system and protect against irritation.
Discover Green People’s natural sun creams, suitable for the whole family this summer.
For more information about our naturally effective sun creams please feel free to get in touch with one of our friendly customer care team on 01403 740350 or by emailing organic@greenpeople.co.uk.
