A UK retailer is to stop producing sun cream with an SPF under 50 for children and 15 for adults. Boots’ own-brand Soltan has already stopped making SPF 30 products for children and SPF 8 products for adults as part of a partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to improve awareness of sun safety.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to the amount of protection a product provides against the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet B radiation (UVB). The higher the SPF, the greater the protection from UVB rays and sunburn and the lower the risk of developing skin cancer.
The NHS advise using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to provide sufficient protection against UVB and at least a four star rating for its UVA protection. It also advises if planning to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, sunscreen should be applied twice, 30 minutes before going outside and again just before.
