'Less than half' of suncreams give full protection
For full protection suncream should include UVA and UVB filters
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Friday, 01, Aug 2008 09:28
Less than half of suncreams launched in Europe last year offer full protection from the Sun, new research has warned.
A study from Mintel found that fewer than half of the 750 products launched in 2007 provide combined UVB and UVA protection.
Both are vital as although UVB rays cause the skin to burn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing it to age prematurely and in extreme cases cause skin cell mutation.
"For a sun screen to be as effective as possible, it should really protect against both UVB and UVA rays," said Alexandra Richmond, senior beauty analyst at Mintel.
"What many people may not realise is that if they just have UVB protection, they are less likely to burn but they have no protection against the harmful and ageing effects of UVA rays."
Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists advised people to look for specific UVA filters, which are indicated in the UK by stars or a circular UVA symbol.
"Many people look for an SPF in their sunscreen, thinking that this offers them full protection against UV damage," she said.
"Sunscreens offering both UVA and UVB protection are called 'broad spectrum' - look for SPF 30 or more and at least four UVA stars or the UVA circle for when you're going to be out in strong sunshine."
She added: "If you're going on holiday abroad, it's wise to buy your sunscreen in the UK from a brand that you know offers the right levels of protection, as products vary in different countries.
"Don't forget that no sunscreen offers total protection, so use shade and clothing as your first line of defence."