Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

Why: WHO says artificial tanning devices raise skin cancer risk. A meta-analysis of 27 studies found that ever using sunbeds was linked to a 20% higher melanoma risk (relative risk 1.20), and first use before age 35 was linked to an 87% higher risk (relative risk 1.87).

Who it applies to: Everyone, especially teenagers and young adults. The NHS notes that sunbeds are illegal for under-18s in the UK.

Try instead: If you want a tanned look, ask a pharmacist about sunless (self-tan) products we did not review, and still use sun protection. Do not use tanning beds.

Why: WHO lists sunburn among the effects of UV, and notes that childhood sunburn raises later skin cancer risk. The NHS says there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan.

Who it applies to: Everyone, particularly children.

Try instead: Use shade, cover and sunscreen early, and move out of the sun at the first sign of pinkness.

Why: WHO advises that sunscreen should not be used to stay in the sun longer, because no sunscreen blocks all UV.

Who it applies to: Beach and holiday days, outdoor sport.

Try instead: Take shade breaks and cover up as well as applying sunscreen.

Why: The AAD notes that UV rays reach the skin on cloudy days and in winter. The CDC advises protection whenever the UV Index is 3 or higher, all year.

Who it applies to: Daily commuters, gardeners, skiers and anyone outdoors in cooler months.

Try instead: Check the UV Index rather than the temperature.

Why: WHO advises limiting time in the midday sun, and the NHS gives 11am to 3pm (March to October, UK) as the time to avoid the strongest sun.

Who it applies to: Outdoor workers, runners, children at play.

Try instead: Move activity earlier or later, or work and rest in shade.

Why: The AAD says skin is unprotected until the sunscreen has been on for about 15 minutes, and that not reapplying and using too little are common causes of sunburn.

Who it applies to: Anyone who puts on sunscreen at the beach or park.

Try instead: Apply before you leave, reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

Why: The FDA says SPF values mainly reflect UVB protection, and that products that are not broad spectrum or have an SPF below 15 must carry a warning that they have only been shown to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin ageing.

Who it applies to: Anyone choosing a sunscreen, including makeup and moisturisers with a low SPF.

Try instead: Choose a product labelled broad-spectrum with SPF 30 or higher.

Why: The FDA says a sunscreen without an expiration date should be considered expired three years after purchase and that expired sunscreen should be discarded. The NHS says to check the expiry symbol on the pack. The AAD lists expired sunscreen as a cause of sunburn.

Who it applies to: Last summer's half-used bottle.

Try instead: Check dates, store the bottle out of direct sun and heat, and replace it when in doubt.

Why: In the Australian trial of 903 adults, beta-carotene supplements had no overall effect on skin ageing. We found no source showing that a pill or plant extract can replace shade, clothing or sunscreen.

Who it applies to: Anyone tempted by "internal sunscreen" or "sun-protection" capsules.

Try instead: Keep to shade, clothing and sunscreen; discuss any supplement with a pharmacist.

Collagen, biotin and beauty supplement claims →

Why: The FDA says no sunscreen is fully waterproof and all sunscreens eventually wash off. Water-resistant labels must state 40 or 80 minutes of protection. The NHS says to reapply even if the product is water resistant.

Who it applies to: Beach, pool and sport days.

Try instead: Reapply at least every two hours, and straight after swimming, towelling or sweating.

Why: The NHS states that there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan. We did not find a source in our reading that supports a tan as protection.

Who it applies to: People planning a holiday or using a sunbed first.

Try instead: Use shade, clothing and sunscreen from the first day.

Why: An expert panel review found that normal daily and recreational sunscreen use does not compromise vitamin D synthesis in healthy people. WHO advises that tanning should never be used to get vitamin D.

Who it applies to: People deciding whether to use sunscreen at all.

Try instead: If you are in a low-sun or covered-skin group, ask a clinician about vitamin D testing rather than skipping sun protection.

Vitamin D →

Why: An FDA trial of 48 adults found that six sunscreen ingredients were absorbed into the blood, above the 0.5 ng/mL level the FDA had asked about. The trial measured blood levels, not harm. The American Academy of Dermatology states, relying on the FDA, that absorption alone does not mean an ingredient is unsafe and that current evidence does not show that sunscreen ingredients sold in the US are harmful, and recommends continued use. Rash was the most common side effect in the trial.

Who it applies to: Anyone worried about chemical sunscreens.

Try instead: If you prefer, choose a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which the AAD says dermatologists recommend for sensitive skin, and lean more on shade and clothing.

Why: The AAD lists using too little as a common cause of sunburn. Studies of sunscreen performance use a standard amount, so a thin layer gives less protection than the label suggests.

Who it applies to: Everyone who rubs on a thin layer.

Try instead: Measure out about a shot glass for the body and at least a teaspoon for the face, as the AAD advises.

Why: The FDA says sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months and advises keeping them out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with protective clothing. The AAD says shade, long sleeves, trousers, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, with care to prevent overheating. The NHS says to keep babies under 6 months out of direct strong sunlight and that older children should cover up, stay in the shade and wear at least SPF 30.

Who it applies to: Parents and carers.

Try instead: Use shade and clothing first, and ask a doctor about sunscreen for infants.

Why: The NHS advises cooling the skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel, drinking water, using an unperfumed moisturiser or aftersun, and staying out of the sun. It says to avoid petroleum jelly, ice or ice packs, popping blisters, scratching or peeling, and tight clothing over the burn.

Who it applies to: Anyone who has been burnt.

Try instead: Follow the cooling steps and call for urgent advice if the signs under When to get help appear.

Aloe vera →

An expert panel review concluded that daily and recreational sunscreen use does not compromise vitamin D synthesis in healthy people. It also advised screening for people with photosensitivity conditions.

The NHS says there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan. We did not find support for a tan as protection.

WHO says artificial tanning raises skin cancer risk and tanning should never be used to get vitamin D. A meta-analysis found higher melanoma risk with sunbed use.

A trial found absorption, but measured blood levels rather than harm. The AAD, relying on the FDA, says absorption alone does not mean an ingredient is unsafe and recommends continued use.

In a randomised trial, beta-carotene had no overall effect on skin ageing. Daily sunscreen, by contrast, was associated with 24% less skin ageing.