The UK is in the grip of a scorching heatwave and the Met Office has issued unprecedented red warnings of "extreme heat" as temperatures are forecast to rise above 40C for the first time.
Application of sun cream is vital for anyone venturing outdoors in the hot weather. And experts are warning that make-up and other beauty products containing SPF cannot be relied upon to offer protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.
Bruce Green, a Chartered Chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, says people should ensure they are using proper sun cream. He told The Mirror: "Whilst double-duty products may make steps shorter and seem more efficient, you cannot always rely on your daily moisturisers or make-up products such as a foundation to give you adequate protection."
He continued: "If your foundation has SPF, it's likely too low (SPF 15) to maintain an optimum level of sun protection (which) requires regular application and re-application. Always apply a separate sun cream product - this should be applied at the end of your skincare, leaving a few minutes for it to penetrate the skin before applying your foundation. SPF can also be applied after foundation, although many shy away from this as ideally you would remove and reapply throughout the day."
Mr Green recommended that people should always use sun cream with a minimum SPF of 30 and said the most effective types of sunblock safeguard against UVA and UVB rays. He added that, irrespective of how effective a sun protection product is, it will only be as good as its application and re-application.
He said people need to use enough cream to thoroughly cover all areas of their exposed skin such as the face, nose, ears, hands, arms and legs. Sunblock must also be applied to the sometimes forgotten parts of the body - like the back of the neck - too.
Generally speaking, adults covering their head, arms and neck should aim to apply around two teaspoons of sun cream and those wearing a swimsuit need to use roughly two tablespoons to cover their whole body. The sun cream needs to be reapplied approximately two hours after swimming or sport.
Mr Green said sunbathers should consider a double application. He said the first layer should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before the beach or poolside and another added when they hit the sun.
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