When the weather warms up and the days get longer, spending more time outdoors becomes one of the best parts of summer. But with increased sun exposure comes a greater need to protect your skin. Whether you're heading abroad, enjoying a day at the beach or simply sitting in the garden, sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily routine.

Here's everything you need to know about sunscreen this summer.

WHAT DOES SPF STAND FOR?

SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. It measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin against UVB rays, the type of ultraviolet radiation responsible for sunburn and a major contributor to skin cancer. The higher the SPF number, the more UVB radiation the sunscreen filters before it reaches your skin. Although SPF numbers don't increase in a simple linear way, a higher SPF does provide greater protection.

However, it's important to remember that no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, so sunscreen should always be combined with other sun-safe habits, such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the day.

UVA vs. UVB

UV stands for ultraviolet, a type of invisible radiation that comes primarily from the sun. Although you can't see or feel UV rays, they can have a significant impact on your skin over time. There are different types of ultraviolet radiation, but the two that matter most when it comes to skincare are UVA and UVB.

UVB rays primarily damage the outer layers of the skin and are the main cause of sunburn. They also play a significant role in the development of skin cancer.

UVA rays, on the other hand, penetrate much deeper into the skin. They're responsible for premature ageing, wrinkles, collagen breakdown and pigmentation, and they can pass through clouds and even glass, meaning your skin is exposed throughout the year, not just on sunny holidays.

This is why it's so important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays, giving your skin more complete protection against both burning and long-term skin damage.

MINERAL vs. CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN

Another common source of confusion is whether to choose a mineral or chemical sunscreen.

Mineral (physical) sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They sit on the surface of the skin and primarily work by reflecting and scattering UV rays. They're often recommended for sensitive skin, children or those prone to irritation because they're generally well tolerated.

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients that absorb UV radiation before it can damage the skin, converting it into a small amount of heat. Modern chemical sunscreens tend to be lightweight, invisible on the skin and easier to wear under makeup, making them a popular choice for daily use.

Neither option is universally "better". The best sunscreen is simply the one you'll enjoy using every single day. Whether you choose mineral or chemical, the most important thing is that it's broad-spectrum, offers at least SPF 50 and is applied correctly.

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE

The biggest issue is not applying SPF enough.

Most people apply only a quarter to half of the recommended amount of sunscreen. This dramatically reduces the level of protection you're actually receiving.

Imagine, if an SPF 30 is applied too thinly, it may only provide protection closer to SPF 10 - 15, while an under-applied SPF 50 may still offer protection closer to SPF 15 - 25.

Another common mistake people make is thinking their makeup containing SPF provides all the sun protection they need. While foundations, tinted moisturisers and BB creams often contain SPF, most people simply don't apply them in thick enough quantities to achieve the level of protection stated on the label.

To reach the advertised SPF, you would need to apply far more makeup than most people would find practical or aesthetically pleasing. For this reason, makeup with SPF should be viewed only as an added bonus rather than your primary source of sun protection. It's always best to apply a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen first, then layer your makeup on top for additional coverage.

HOW MUCH SUNSCREEN SHOULD BE APPLIED?

For the face and neck, a useful guide is the two-finger rule - apply two full lengths of sunscreen along your index and middle finger.

For the entire body, adults generally need around 30 - 35ml, which is roughly the equivalent of a shot glass.

Sunscreen should be applied around 15 - 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours, or sooner if you're swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Don't forget commonly missed areas such as the ears, eyelids, neck, scalp (if exposed), backs of the hands and tops of the feet.

SO HERE IS OUR FINAL THOUGHTS AS AESTHETIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS,

When it comes to protecting your skin this summer, choosing the right sunscreen doesn't have to be complicated. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50, apply enough to cover your skin properly and remember to reapply throughout the day.

Daily sunscreen use isn't just about preventing sunburn, it's one of the most effective ways to reduce premature skin ageing, minimise pigmentation and help protect against skin cancer. Think of sunscreen as one of the simplest investments you can make in your skin's long-term health.