Is Factor 15 Suncream Enough?
NHS guidelines have recently come under intense scrutiny after they recommended people use a minimum of factor 15 suncream. Many critics argue they should have recommended people use at least factor 30. Why? Well, in the UK, factor 15 is generally enough (unless you are very fair skinned) for normal sun exposure if it is applied liberally – 35ml to cover the average body. However, it is argued that most people only use half this amount owing to the cost of suncream meaning a full application would mean multiple bottles of suncream were needed per week.
Instances of malignant melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) have risen threefold over the last 20 years, possibly because of increased sun exposure with tans becoming more fashionable. There is also a link to sunbeds usage.
In short, for normal skin in the UK, factor 15 should be fine if you apply it properly. However buy factor 25 or 30 if you have a habit of applying it more thinly than is recommended on the bottle.
