Latest news with #suncare
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
From foundation to setting spray – the products that aren't protecting you & the SPF ‘magic number' you need to wear
THERE'S a lot you can do in 10 minutes – paint your nails, put the washing on, make an omelette… And in the same amount of time, you could permanently harm your skin through unprotected sun exposure. 4 Shockingly, 40% of Brits only buy sunscreen when they go on holiday, and 14% admit to never applying SPF.* What's more, an estimated 7 million of us admit to being confused about suncare.** It's no surprise, when celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow suggest only applying sunscreen to the high points of your face, while doctors like Tim Spector suggest sun protection does more harm than good, and trad wife influencers insist we can make sunscreen at home with store-cupboard ingredients. At the same time, the number of people diagnosed with melanoma in the UK has increased by almost half in the past decade,*** while non-melanoma skin cancer incidences have increased by more than two-fifths.† Plus, independent testing in the UK and Australia has controversially found some sunscreens don't quite provide the level of protection you might expect. With such muddled messaging, it's hardly surprising that we're getting it wrong – but it's time to swot up and start taking suncare seriously. So here's our expert approved guide... SPF Application 101 If you were to apply the same amount that's used in lab testing - which works out at about two finger lengths of sunscreen to the face and neck, and 6-8 teaspoons of sunscreen for the whole body every time you reapply - the average woman would go through 100ml of SPF for each day spent on a beach. 'But the way most of us apply sunscreen means we're getting about a third of the advertised protection," explains photobiologist Professor Brian Diffey of the British Association of Dermatology, who co-created the the UVA star rating system used on sunscreens in the UK. "So, if you apply an SPF30, you'll end up with a protection factor equivalent to about 10.' This makes picking a sunscreen you like the formula of – and are happy to apply more of – crucial. The Perfect SPF Formula 'Ultimately, the best is one that you'll use consistently and correctly, so personal preference plays a significant role,' says Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. These days, the choices are practically endless when it comes to sunscreen - which makes it even harder to decide which is right for you. 'Creams and lotions can be applied more evenly, providing better coverage, whereas oils and sprays may result in missed spots and sunburn,' Dr Ellie Rashid, consultant dermatologist and KLIRA medical director explains. Plus, because of the amount of product you need to apply to reach the advertised coverage - products like foundation, setting spray and primer won't give you nearly what you might expect. If you were applying enough foundation to get the SPF protection advertised on the bottle, you'd be going through a 30ml bottle every three and a half weeks, which would get expensive very quickly. Hybrid formulas are also often less stable, because of the added ingredients, meaning the sun protection filters degrade faster than those in a dedicated sunscreen. 'Powders also aren't very effective at all, because you can't get a thick enough layer on the skin,' adds Professor Diffey - ruling out SPF boosted setting powders and dry shampoo as your only line of defence. That doesn't mean they're completely useless. Hybrid formulas can be helpful for topping up your protection throughout the day once you've already applied a sunscreen. They're especially good on top of make-up, but be sure to apply more than you think, and re-apply frequently, as you won't be getting the protection factor advertised. The Magic SPF Protection Number With sunscreens ranging from factor 2 to factor 100 lining the shelves - picking the right number might seem as hard as finding the right formula, but there's a much more straightforward answer. "For general daily use year-round, an SPF of 30 is recommended for most people as it blocks about 97% of UVB rays. "If you have fair skin, are prone to burning or have a family history of skin cancer, you should opt for SPF50," explains Dr Mahto. "The same goes when spending time outdoors, at the beach or during sports." No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so combine it with other protection, such as wearing hats, sunglasses and seeking shade,' she adds. So, there's no arguing, if you're going on a summer holiday, you should be taking the factor 50 with you. More SPF, More Protection? Another important thing to note, is that you can't layer SPFs to increase the protection value - for example, using a factor 15 foundation over an SPF50 sunscreen doesn't give you factor 65. However, layering products will help ensure any gaps missed in the initial application are covered, and get you closer to the highest factor product all over. It's one of Professor Diffey's top tips. "Apply sunscreen half an hour before going outside, then reapply it as soon as you get out," he says. "That way, you're doubling the thickness of the layer of sunscreen and are more likely to cover up bits that you might have missed the first time.' Because your first layer has absorbed before you apply the second, the overall coverage won't feel heavy or hard to rub in. When you need to reapply depends on the sunscreen, so check the bottle. But the general rule is, reapply after swimming, towelling or at least every two hours. The SPFs to Shop Now Trinny London See The Light SPF 50+ Moisturiser, £46 BUY NOW This is the face SPF I reach for year round. It truly feels like a lightweight moisturiser, even the packaging looks more like skincare than an SPF. As well as the high UVA and UVB protection, it contains antioxidants to help reduce existing hyperpigmentation and brighten skin. This budget as been my go-to affordable recommendation for years, and it still gets rave reviews - you'd be hard pressed to find a more sophisticated formula for under £10. The packaging makes it great for travel, and the sun-cream scent immediately puts me in holiday mode. Bioderma XDefense Ultra Fluid SPF50+ Invisible, £19 BUY NOW This formula is extremely thin, so it doesn't feel cloying or oily on skin, and it absorbs in a matter of seconds so it's great for wearing under make-up as you don't have to wait for it to dry down. Best of all, it's non-comodogenic so won't cause spots, which is a godsend as I just have to glance at the wrong product and I'll break out. MOST COMMON SPF MISTAKES No matter how sun safe you are, there's always room for improvement. These are the most common mistakes you might be making, according to Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist at Self London Not using enough - many people use too little sunscreen. An adult needs about one ounce (a shot glass full) to cover the entire body adequately. Missed areas - areas like the ears, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and back of the hands are often overlooked but need protection too. Not reapplying enough - sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying, even if it's labelled as water-resistant. Waiting until you go outside - chemical sunscreen should be applied 20-30 minutes before going outdoors to allow it to absorb and provide effective protection. Expired products - sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time. Always check the expiration date and replace any old products. Only relying on sunscreen - while sunscreen is crucial, it should be part of a broader sun protection strategy that includes seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Get sun-kissed FAST with Carroten's viral tanning gel - 'this stuff is no joke' and now 20% off for a limited time
Ladies, pack your bags because we are going to Greece! Well, sort of... more like we are bringing Greece to you with Europe's favorite suncare brand that shoppers are claiming is giving their skin a 'five-star glow!' Carroten is making waves across the pond and beyond, but now it is finally bringing its seemingly magical glow powers to America. Carroten Europe's favorite self-tanner brand has finally hit the U.S. — and it is making MAJOR waves. This summer you can get the glow off of Amazon for less during Prime Day (July 8-11) where all of the Carroten products will be 20 percent off! Spoil yourself with one of their two bestseller to be beach-ready before summer fully takes off. 20% OFF Shop Intensive Tanning Gel 20% OFF Ready for your bronziest summer yet? This European favorite is here to stay, with decades of sun science behind its unique formula. Nourish, hydrate, and glow 24/7 with this game-changer. Infused with carrot and coconut oils, trust us, your skin is going to thank you. Shop Shimmer Intensive Tanning Gel 20% OFF Why just glow when you can glitter. The shimmer version of Carroten's best-selling Tanning Gel was born in Greece but is ready to take on the world. Similar to its OG sister, this product adds a bit more glow with gold sparkles infused for an iridescent, beachy look. Shop The famous self-tanner brand has gone viral for its innovative and highly effective Intensive Tanning Gel that shoppers keep saying is a 'MUST BUY!' Right now, the popular brand is bringing its fans extra sunshine with 20 percent off their products during Amazon Prime Day! (July 8-11). The Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel has so many 5-star reviews it is hard to deny its results. Shoppers are saying things like: 'Just buy it, girl,' 'This is the REAL deal,' and 'Wow! This works!' So why are shoppers so obsessed? The secret lies in the formula! Born in Greece, Carroten bottles the Mediterranean sun while simultaneously taking skincare into mind. Formulated with nourishing oils, including carrot and coconut, the Intensive Tanning Gel hydrates on a deeper level while giving you a glow using tanning oil blends. Unlike other brands that promise a lot and usually fall short, Carroten's proof is in the pictures and the personal stories. The Intensive Tanning Gel is a tanning accelerator that encourages bronzing with every minute spent in the sun. Shoppers love the smooth tan it gives them, with one saying: Today was the first time I used Carroten, and I was so excited after seeing all the reviews... All I have to say is believe every single one. 'This stuff is no joke. I sat in the sun for an hour and a half, and I was scorched. The color I got is insane.' When it comes to using both the original and shimmer version of the Intensive Tanning Oil, SPF is crucial. Whenever you lay out to tan, you have to prepare your skin with sufficient sunscreen protection so you are getting glowy without compromising your skin's safety. Bonus! Carroten formulas are waterproof, so whether you are tanning or swimming, that bronze will still be yours. If you are ready to get sun drenched quick, Carroten is for you! Explore Europe's must-have tanning brand ahead of the hot months to come while you can snag all the bestsellers for 20 percent off during Amazon Prime Day.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I put three new SPF sticks to the test for the summer – one option smells great and will get your whole family hooked
CALL me a hypocrite. I hate SPF. I use it, of course religiously, but the residue left behind gives me the ick. Thankfully, there's whole a new breed of SPF sticks hitting shelves. I put three to the test. 4 Budget Soltan Active 8 Hour Protect Suncare Stick SPF50+, £7 for 25g, boots On the outside, this stick looks to be the smallest of the three – but it actually has the most product inside. It's super-compact, making it great for popping into my handbag. The stick is quite hard, so it drags on skin, which slows down application and a few dandruff-like pieces flaked off, which meant I then needed to rub it in with my hands. This defeats the point somewhat, although it ensures you don't end up with stripes should you miss a section. It's great value, but not the most sophisticated. Mid-range Tocobo Cica Cooling Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++, £16 for 18g, boots This is the latest stick to enter my stash, and it's gone straight into my handbag – it truly feels invisible on skin. Initially, the shape isn't great as it dips in the middle so you don't get even coverage, but after a couple of swipes the stick levels off. It promises to reduce skin temperature in just three seconds, and while I've not noticed the cooling effect promised, I'm convinced that the calming cica ingredient has helped take the sting out of a recent insect bite. I usually cannot stop itching them, and I didn't feel the need to at all while the SPF was on. Luxury Clarins Invisible Sun Care Stick SPF 50, £25 for 17g, Boots I first used this a couple of years ago, and in the time since I've got my whole family hooked. The stick is a transparent, orange hue so it doesn't leave any white cast behind, and you can see where you're applying it as it's shiny at first (although quickly absorbs into skin, so don't worry about it being sticky). It smells great, so you can skip wearing perfume over it as it reduces the effectiveness. It's still suitable for sensitive skin; mine is acne -prone and my mum has eczema, yet we're huge fans.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shoppers are racing to nab ‘best sun cream ever' that's now FREE – it's ‘great for school days' & takes seconds to apply
WITH temperatures continuing to soar, if you're in search of sun cream that's great for little ones, you've come to the right place. And if your purse is feeling the pinch more than ever before, fear not, as now, the 'best sun cream ever' is totally free - yes, you heard that correctly. 4 4 4 But you'll need to move quickly if you want to nab this epic freebie, as it's only available whilst stocks last. One savvy shopper was left beaming after browsing the shelves in her local Boots store, when she noticed the brilliant summer deal. Thrilled with her freebie, Carrie Webster took to social media to alert others, leaving many totally stunned. Posting on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, a private Facebook group with 2.6 million members, Carrie uploaded a snap of her haul, alongside a picture of her receipt. Alongside the post, Carrie beamed: 'Bargain in Boots for sun cream! 'Buy two Soltan [bottles and] get the 8hr protect one for free!' While Boots Advantage card members will normally pay £4.95 a bottle for the Soltan Kids Once 8hr Protect & Play Suncare Lotion SPF50+ 200ml, with this limited-time cracking offer, shoppers can now get it totally free when they buy two selected Soltan products. Clearly overjoyed with her freebie which she nabbed from her local store in Gravesend, Carrie then added: 'The 8hr protect one is great for school days!' According to the product listing, this 'advanced sun protection' product has 'UVA and UVB filters to help protect skin against short and long term skin damage and premature skin ageing.' It takes just seconds to apply and has been hailed as 'perfect for outdoor adventures and on holiday." Kelsey Parker mum-shamed for admitting she doesn't put suncream on her kids The Boots buy is said to deliver 'eight hours of sun protection from a single application,' provided you follow the instructions. For best protection, generously apply the sun cream 15 minutes before going into the sun and rub in well. It is "water resistant, dermatologically tested and vegan-friendly". But parents should note that you should reapply if more time is spent in the water. Not only this, but it's also suitable for sensitive skin too. Alongside this, Carrie also bought two bottles of Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion, in factors 30 and 50+. This jaw-dropping offer is subject to stock availability, with your free gift being added to your basket on qualifying purchases while stocks last. Bargain hunters beam Facebook users were left beaming with the freebie, as one person said: 'Need to get these.' Whilst another added: 'I got this offer today, definitely a bargain.' Meanwhile, other bargain hunters eagerly raced to the comments to share their rave reviews on the high-street sun cream. One user simply beamed: 'Best sun cream ever.' The importance of sun cream in your skincare routine Dermatologist and skincare enthusiast Andrea Suarez - known as Dr Dray - revealed why you should wear suncream. The one thing you can do that will make the biggest difference - and this matters for all ages - is protecting your skin from the sun, Andrea stressed. "The vast majority of external aging is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation," she continued, not because you're "not using some jazzy serum or layering 90 different things on your face everyday". "If you're not doing in your 20s, get on that now." But she said the use of sun cream alone doesn't go far enough. Andrea urged that you also wear sun-protective clothing like broad-brimmed hats and long sleeves, on top of not staying out too long in the sun. Doing this over your lifetime - and all year, not just during the summer or on sunny days - "will reduce the visible signs of photoageing", Andrea said. Those are wrinkles, muddled pigmentation and sagging skin. A second chimed in and wrote: 'I use the 8 hour one for my boys for school! No issues, also used it on previous abroad holidays and they never burnt even going in the pool! I stand by this sun cream for my older kids.' Someone else claimed: 'My kids NEVER burn with any of the baby or kids Soltan sun creams!' Whilst another Boots shopper explained: 'I swear by these Soltan once ones and we holiday in summer in Egypt and Turkey and Cape Verde (all very hot). All of my children are fair and they have never burnt with it and I only use the 30 for them most of the time.'
News.com.au
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Sofía Vergara makes cheeky statement in a thong bikini – and gets a famous friend's attention
It's a heat wave. Sofía Vergara made a cheeky statement in a thong bikini while sunbathing by a pool in a photo shared to Instagram yesterday. The Modern Family star ditched her top as she soaked up the rays on a lounge chair with her Toty sunscreen closeby. 'Llego el verano!' the Colombian-born actress, 52, wrote in the caption — which translates to: 'Summer has arrived.' Naturally, Vergara's eye-popping snap caught the attention of many, including her fellow America's Got Talent judge Heidi Klum. 'Come over ….I am doing the same thing. Sunbathing,' the German supermodel reacted in the comments to the delight of fans. The Griselda star shared a similar cheeky snapshot to celebrate the arrival of summer — and her new suncare brand — back in June 2023. At the time, she had her buns out while posing topless by the pool in only a thong bikini bottom and her SPF. 'Lo mio es el verano,' Vergara wrote in that caption, which translates to: 'My thing is summer.' The actress launched Toty two years ago after admitting to 'frying' her skin with coconut oil and tanning beds when she was younger. Vergara previously spoke to People about the beauty brand, which merges sun protection with skincare and makeup. 'I'm always very put together,' she said at the time. 'I've been doing my same makeup since I was 15. I've never really loved a lot of foundation or contouring, but I always have eyeliner on and lashes and lipstick. 'Even in the morning, I put it on. That's my thing, and of course, my sunscreen with the color.'
