I wish I'd known these SPF tips when I was a teenager...

Most of the sun damage on my skin was done before I was 25. I didn't really wear sunscreen as a teenager and am now suffering the consequences.
The damage to our skin shows up decades later as pigmentation, rough patches, sagging and lines.
Sunburn in childhood and the teenage years raises the risk of skin cancer in adult life.
Take sun protection seriously, be vigilant and take responsibility for your skin. Protect yourself.

Ease of Use

The best sunscreen is the one you'll actually use.

A stick or a small tube that lives in your pocket, bag or PE kit beats a giant bottle left at home. In summer, keep one on you. If it's there, you'll use it. If it's in a cupboard, you won't.

Aim for at least SPF 30. SPF 50 is better. Check it says broad spectrum or look for the UVA logo in a circle. That covers the rays that burn (UVB) and the rays that age (UVA) the skin.

Apply properly

Most people use about half as much as they should. Use less and you get nowhere near the protection on the label.

Be generous.
A teaspoon for the face and neck is a good guide.
Put it on fifteen to twenty minutes before you go out.

Re-apply

Sunscreen rubs off, sweats off and washes off.

Reapply every two hours.
Reapply after swimming.
Reapply after towelling dry, even the water-resistant ones.

Easy to miss areas

The spots people forget are the spots that burn first.

A baseball cap is great. It shades your face. It does nothing for the back of your neck or your ears, so cover those too.

Tops of the ears
Back of the neck
Tops of the feet and toes
Nose and lips
Parting in your hair

Cover up

Sunscreen is one layer of defence but it isn't the only one available to us.

Sit in the shade when the sun is strongest (11am-3pm)
Wear a light, long-sleeved shirt.
For a long stint in the sea or swimming pool, a rash vest will give you more protection than any sunscreen and won't wash off.

Swimming

Water reflects sunlight straight back at you. Whether we are in a swimming pool or the sea, your skin can burn faster than you expect.

It's very difficult to know when you are burning when you're cool and wet. Reapply SPF when you come out.

Eyes

Your eyes need protection too.

UV light damages them over time and is linked to cataracts and other long-term problems.

Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection.
Look for UV400 or 100% UV on the label.

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These are easy to use, well tested and widely available.

Any of them will do the job if you apply enough and remember to reapply.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF50+ Vitamin Sun Stick — a stick is ideal for ears, nose and the tops of feet, and it fits in a pocket.
Soltan (Boots) — good value, 5-star UVA protection, sold as sprays, lotions and sticks.
Riemann P20 SPF50 — long-lasting and water resistant, a holiday favourite. Still reapply after swimming.
Nivea Sun — reliable, available everywhere, plenty of formats.
Solait (Superdrug) — own brand, low cost, performs well in independent tests.
Ambre Solaire — easy sprays and lotions, easy to find.