A UK retailer is to stop producing sun cream with an SPF under 50 for children and 15 for adults. Boots’ own-brand Soltan has already stopped making SPF 30 products for children and SPF 8 products for adults as part of a partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to improve awareness of sun safety.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to the amount of protection a product provides against the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet B radiation (UVB). The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from UVB rays and sunburn and the lower the risk of developing skin cancer.
The NHS advise using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to provide sufficient protection against UVB and at least a four star rating for its UVA protection. It also advises if planning to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen should be applied twice, 30 minutes before going outside and again just before.
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To limit harmful exposure to the sun during high temperatures, the NHS recommend spending time in the shade between 11am and 3pm and covering up with suitable clothing.
Soltan spokeswoman Clare O’Connor said: “Through our partnership with Macmillan, we’re committed to taking action to improve sun safety.
“Sunscreen is one of the main methods of keeping skin protected in the sun, so we want to support our customers to make a simple switch to protect their skin with higher SPF with UVA protection.
“This is particularly important for children, whose skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, so we want to help parents in choosing the highest protection available.”
Dr Anthony Cunliffe, national clinical adviser for primary care at Macmillan, said: “Initiatives like this are really important because wearing higher factor SPF, along with steps like spending time in the shade, can provide better protection from the sun and lower your risk of developing skin cancer.
“Anyone with concerns about changes to their skin should contact their GP, and they can also chat to specially trained nurses on the Macmillan support line.”
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