If you’re dreading the UV rays on your next vacation, try out these tips and products to help avoid sun-damaged skin
For most of my life, curating the perfect tan on holiday was the highest priority. Raising an eyebrow at my mother’s SPF factor four oil as a teenager, I’d reach for my factor 15 feeling somewhat superior. But my skin has grown much more sensitive to the sun with age, and last year, after discovering a constellation of hyperpigmentation on my forehead, I realised that it was time to join the SPF 50+ club.
This summer, the British Skin Foundation (BSF) launched a new sun safety campaign, More, More, More, with a message to combine adequate protective clothing, sunscreen and shade to protect your skin. Meanwhile, the skincare girlies on TikTok are applying SPF 50+ every day, even in cloudy weather.
Currently, only 22% of people in the UK wear SPF every day (rising just to 55% on sunny days), 40% only buy it for a holiday and 64% say it’s too expensive — according to research by Face the Future. And a recent BSF survey found that 51% of people surveyed have accidentally suffered from sunburn and only one in every five children understands that sun safety involves a combination of sunscreen use, seeking shade and protective clothing.
“The skin is the body’s largest organ and looking after it is key,” says Matthew Patey, chief executive officer of the British Skin Foundation. “If you could reduce the risk of other forms of cancer with such simple measures, it would be a no-brainer. The message here is clear, more protection from harmful UV rays — whether with clothing, sunscreen or shade, ideally a combination of all three — reduces the risk of skin cancer in later life.”
When buying sunscreen, make sure that it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB, and a minimum four-star UVA rating, preferable five-star. The NHS recommends not relying on sunscreen alone — spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm and cover up with suitable clothing.
Here are some handy products that will help keep you safe in the sun and protected from potential sunburns on your summer holiday.
Invest in lightweight clothing with UV protection
While it may seem counterintuitive to don a coat while out in the sun, covering up is on the NHS’s list of sun safety tips. This UV Protection Pocketable Parka from Uniqlo is made using lightweight and breathable material suitable for wear in warmer temperatures. It has a UPF40+ rating and features UV protection technology, making it perfect for those morning runs on holiday when you’re worried about the combination of sweat and sunscreen. It comes in a range of colours and with a small bag so you can have it in our handbag wherever you go.
Or go for the Luxe Sun Wrap, a summer staple from Solbari’s UPF50+ Sensitive Collection. Crafted from a blend of cotton and bamboo fibres, this wrap is perfect for sensitive skin, offering a breathable, lightweight fit that’s as gentle as it is effective. Accredited with the highest sun protection rating available, UPF50+, this wrap blocks both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your skin stays safe from the sun’s harshest effects. It features long sleeves with discrete thumbholes for extra coverage, and a ruched shawl collar for added neck protection. Certified to retain its UPF50+ rating after 50 washes, this wrap is available in multiple sizes and colours.
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Cover your face with a hat or UV visor
Not all sunhats are made equally, but this wide-brimmed bucket hat from Zara in animal print is top of our list. With an outer shell made of 100% cotton, the wide brim will help to ensure that the sun’s rays are kept off your face, the back of your neck and the tops of your ears. The animal-print pattern, 90s design and frayed edge means that you can at least stay broadly on trend while dodging UV rays during day trips.
Born from a Californian’s love of the sun, Sól Visors is the brainchild of Jennifer Johnson, a woman determined to combat the harmful effects of UV radiation. After experiencing skin damage despite using so-called protective products, she took matters into her own hands. SóL Visors combine top-tier protection with chic design, blocking 98-100% of UVA/UVB rays with ANSI-certified, UPF 50+ technology. Available in a number of colours and sizes, these visors are a must for those trying to keep their faces out of the sun. Heat-resistant and scratch-proof, they’re perfect for any trip, from beach days to day trips. Plus, with an eco-friendly mission, Sól Visors go beyond protection, offering sustainable packaging for every visor.
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Grab an SPF50 sunscreen with good UVA protection
Unsurprisingly, sunscreen is key to avoiding sun damage, but some formulas are claggy and can cause congestion when applied to the face — nobody wants extra pimples on vacation. The Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Super UV Face Hydrating Protection Fluid absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy finish, making it perfect for applying before makeup. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, it features netlock technology that ensures protection stays in place. This lightweight fluid — which is non-comedogenic and fragrance free — feels closer to serum than cream and protects both against sun damage and pollution.
If you’re not a fan of reapplying while on the go, then top up with the Soltan Active Stick SPF50+. It offers up to eight hours of sun protection from just one application (three hours if you’re going in the water). It features the maximum five-star UVA protection and can even be applied to wet skin. It’s just 25g and a solid stick, so perfect for throwing in your handbag — you don’t need to worry about leakages! It’s handy, easy to use and has UVA and UVB filters, which help protect skin against skin damage and premature skin ageing.
