Everything you need to know about sunscreen on staycation

This is the time of year we’d normally start preparing for a summer holiday abroad: getting a new bikini, digging out sunglasses and buying our annual bottle of sunscreen.

Unless you’re a skincare junkie who applies SPF every day (and bravo to you), the fact you might be swapping your holiday for a staycation this year could mean you forget about sunscreen.

Skin still needs protection – even in the UK and Ireland – so here’s what you need to know if you’re spending more time at home this summer…

Do you need to wear sunscreen at all?

In a word: yes. No matter where you live or what the season is, the best thing you can do for your skin is wear sunscreen every day. Unfortunately, this is something very few of us actually do – and it’s even more likely to fall by the wayside if you’re sunbathing in your backyard, instead of an exotic beach.

Here’s Dr Howard Murad, dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare, with a timely reminder: “No matter where you are, UV rays are present all year round, even on cold, cloudy days. UVA rays are the most damaging and account for 95% of UV that reaches earth. They are the same strength year-round and can penetrate your skin through windows, even on cloudy days – so if you’re sitting by a window indoors, you should still apply your SPF. They contribute to premature ageing, collagen degradation and even skin cancer. When you go outside, it takes just 10 minutes for UV rays to kickstart the breakdown of collagen in your skin.”

So, even if the sun isn’t blazing and you’re not wearing a bikini on the beach, it’s still a good idea to wear sunscreen.

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?

We all know UV rays can damage our skin and lead to cancer, but not everyone’s so clear on the difference between UVA and UVB. Dr Mieran Sethi, specialist dermatology registrar with the NHS, puts it simply: “UVA causes ageing and UVB causes burning.” This is the crucial part: “SPF sunscreen filters UVB, so it is important to select a sunscreen that has both SPF and UVA filters.”

If your perfect staycation involves sitting on the sofa and watching a box set, you’ll still need to wear a product with UVA coverage. “UVA passes through windows, so damage to skin can occur if you’re sitting indoors next to a window, or when sitting in a car. UVB does not pass through windows,” Sethi explains. Murad agrees with this analysis, saying: “UVA rays are the most damaging. They penetrate deeply into the dermis layer of the skin, and can even penetrate through clouds and windows.”

When buying sunscreen, make sure you’re getting something which has both UVA and B protection. “Sunscreen advertised as SPF 50 only filters UVB radiation,” says Sethi. “For a sunscreen to filter UVA radiation, it must also have the UVA filter symbol (UVA in a circle or UVA in a circle with star rating).”

How often should you apply?

On holiday, we’re used to constantly reapplying sunblock, which might have come off from sweating or swimming. At home, it’s a good idea to put sunscreen on after you’ve washed and moisturised your face in the morning, but whether you need to reapply throughout the day depends on your lifestyle.

Sethi says you should reapply “if you go outside to exercise, or if you are repeatedly touching your face. In general, reapplication is more important if you are outside, as it can be removed by effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure and atmosphere”.

One of the biggest mistakes Sethi sees people making with sunscreen is not putting enough on, usually due to consistency of the product and the undesired cosmetic effect of a white residue. To make sure you’re wearing enough, she adds: “I usually recommend people apply sunscreen twice on all exposed sites.”

Murad has a visual way of working out how much product to use. “For each sunscreen application, apply one ounce of sunscreen (equal to a shot glass) to the entire body and face, and continuously reapply when out in the sun for long periods of time,” he says. If you do have some time off and are spending it in your garden, be as diligent with your sunblock as you would be abroad. Not only will it protect your skin, but it will also make you feel like you’re actually on holiday.

Products to try

Caudalie Milky Sun Spray SPF 50, £21, John Lewis

Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, £60

Ultrasun Face Anti-Pigmentation SPF 50+, £27.20 (was £32), FeelUnique

Troiareuke Acsen UV Protector Essence, £48, Beauty and Seoul

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+, £17.50, Escentual

Uriage Bariesun Mineral Cream SPF 50+, £17.60, Escentual

Soltan Face Protect & Moisturise SPF 50+, £5.50, Boots

Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF 50, £14.25 (was £19), LookFantastic

Image: iStock/PA