As things heat up it's time to stock up on suncream

Summer is here, which means long, balmy beach days are back.

Before you zip up that beach bag and declare yourself ready for rays, make sure your skin is just as prepped and styled as your hair and outfit.

With more hours under the hot sun come anxieties about burning, peeling, wrinkles, and, worst of all, skin cancer.

An estimated 90 per cent of a person’s skin aging is caused by the sun, and people who use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily, show 24 per cent less skin aging than those who do not.

The science

When used as directed, sunscreen is proven to decrease your risk of skin cancers and skin precancers. Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by about 40 per cent, and lower your melanoma risk by a whopping 50 per cent.

It’s also a major factor to help prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging and age spots.

Live a sun-safe life

Keep in mind that while crucial, sunscreen alone is not enough. Seek the shade whenever possible, wear sun-safe clothing, a wide-brimmed hat (yep, you know you’re rocking it) and UV-blocking sunglasses, for a complete sun protection strategy. Don’t be fooled by a cloud covered, or being shielded by the windscreen in the car, they can penetrate clouds as well as glass.

Make-up myth

The biggest myth is that the SPF in your make-up is enough to protect your skin. It isn’t. Apply a dedicated SPF as the last step of your morning skincare routine. Then let loose with the war paint until your heart’s content.

What do the numbers mean?

You should be aware that an SPF of 30 is not twice as protective as an SPF of 15; rather, when properly used, an SPF of 15 protects the skin from 93 per cent of UVB radiation, and an SPF 30 sunscreen provides 97 per cent protection.

Help fight cancer

Though high-quality evidence is a little patchy and hard to come by, sunscreen very probably helps reduce the risk of cancer.

However, it does mean fewer fine lines and wrinkles, making it something worth applying daily.