Our series continues as we answer some of the most common SPF questions and set the record straight on a few of those myths around sun protection.

What’s the difference between SPF30 and SPF50 ?  

One significant difference between SPF30 and SPF50 is the UVA protection.  Ultrasun’s SPF30 filters absorb 90% of UVA rays and in the SPF50 they absorb 95%. Therefore, using an SPF30 increases your UVA exposure by 10% rather than 5% with an SPF50.  

 Trauma tanning 

Short periods of intense exposure to the sun can contribute to serious skin damage. In fact, panic sunbathing is when people are likely to do a lot of damage to their skin in terms of burning and premature ageing.   

Selecting the right SPF for your skin is crucial.  All skin types become less able to protect themselves the more time you spend out of the sun.  When a sunny day arrives, even UK sun, it really can impact on the condition of the skin and incremental damage.   

Under the influence of UV rays, the skin begins to thicken and starts producing melanin. These processes take 10-20 days to take place, so use extra protection and higher SPF as your skin adjusts to the sun. 

The great news is that if you love a golden glow, you can tan safely with Ultrasun Tan Activator range which contains an innovative active called Bronzyl which has been shown to accelerate your tan by 40% in 10 days.  By minimising the time needed to achieve a healthy, we reduce the temptation to stay in the sun for a prolonged period and ensure a deeper, longer lasting glow.  Discover our Tanning Activator Range here. 

Which SPF is right for me? 

Pick your protection to suit your needs and environment. Think in terms of skin tone, where you are and how much sun exposure you have had to help you make the right decision.  

You can still tan even when wearing a high sun protection factor, particularly if your skin is well-prepped and moisturised, our skin learns, that's why you should start on a higher SPF and go down. It also tries to protect us, so as well as applying SPF, rehydrate all the time so your skin has a fair chance in the sun.   

Not all UV rays are the same 

UVB rays (think B for burning) are responsible for burning, they are shorter rays that penetrate the upper layers of the skin causing trauma such as sunburn, blistering and peeling.  UVB intensity fluctuates and is strongest on hot days and climates and they cannot penetrate glass.  SPF is connected to UVB damage, telling you how long the sunscreen will protect your skin before burning. 

UVA rays are longer wave and penetrate deep into the dermis where they cause long term damage.  They are present in light and can penetrate glass which means that we are exposed to UV rays every day regardless of climate and season.  UVA rays cause up to 90% of premature ageing and long-term cell damage that may cause skin cancers.  EU law demand that all SPF formulas sold within the EU have a UVA filter at a minimum level of 33%, Ultrasun formulas contain between 85-95% UVA filters. 

Final part coming up next week...