Latest news with #UVA
Glasgow Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Morrisons & Ultrasun sun cream warning as safety test failed
Ultrasun Family SPF30, which costs £28 for 150ml and is marketed as being 'perfect for the whole family' and 'especially suitable for children and those with sensitive skin', failed to meet minimum sun cream UVA protection levels in two separate tests by Which?. Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30 also failed to meet minimum SPF protection levels in two tests. (Image: Which? PA Wire) Ultrasun passed the UVB SPF part of the test but failed on UVA testing, scoring 9.1 and then 9.5 in a retest. Which? required a score of 10 or more for a pass. Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray product passed UVA tests but failed the UVB/SPF tests with scores of 25.7 and then 20.7 – short of the 30 or more needed to pass. Which? tested 15 popular sun creams this year, including Boots, Garnier and Nivea as well as supermarket own-brand products. Aldi's Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, which costs £2.99 for 200ml, was found to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Cien Sun Spray 30 SPF High (£3.79/200ml), from fellow discounter Lidl, also passed all SPF and UVA testing, with Which? describing it as a 'solid option for affordable and reliable sun protection'. Some 11 other products, including Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30 (£5.50 for 200ml), Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30 (£7.90 for 200ml) and Sainsbury's Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion SPF30 (£5.50 for 200ml) passed SPF and UVA safety tests. Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: 'It's really concerning that widely available sunscreens could be putting families at risk by failing to offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging. 'While shoppers should avoid buying our 'don't buys', our results prove that there's no need to splash out to keep you and your loved ones safe in the sun as we've found cheap reliable options at Aldi and Lidl.' A spokeswoman for Ultrasun said: 'Ultrasun is fully confident in our testing protocols. As an independent brand delivering very high UVB and UVA protection options for over 30 years, our detailed testing processes, independent and peer reviewed, continue to not only meet but surpass industry standards. 'Our chosen testing protocol is one of the strictest available. Further detail and clarification from Which? on their testing protocols would also be helpful, particularly on how these resulted in two different results from the same sample.' Morrisons told Which? that it was looking closely at the data and working with its supplier to carry out additional independent testing. Recommended reading: What are UVA and UVB rays, and what does SPF mean? UVA and UVB rays both cause different types of damage, and not all sun creams protect against them in the same way. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB to cause long-term damage, including all types of skin cancer, and play a role in the ageing process, such as causing wrinkles, sun spots and leathery skin. UVB rays are mostly responsible for sunburn and skin reddening. They do not penetrate as deeply as UVA rays but they are just as damaging, and can play a large part in the development of skin cancers including melanoma. SPF stands for 'sun protection factor', and indicates the level of protection a sun cream provides against burning rays. SPFs range from 2 to 50+, with 50+ offering the most protection against UVB.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The best sunscreen of 2025 – and the two to avoid
With hot weather sweeping the UK and an amber heatwave warning in place, sunscreen is something we should all be wearing on the parts of our bodies exposed to the sun. But how can you be sure your go-to bottle is doing what it promises? To help shoppers find suncreams they can trust, consumer group Which? tested a range of high street and premium options using official British and international standards. SPF (which protects against UVB rays that cause sunburn) was checked by applying sunscreen to volunteers' skin and exposing it to controlled UVB light. UVA protection (which guards against long-term skin damage and ageing) was tested in the lab by measuring how much of the sun's rays were absorbed through the cream. This year, 13 products passed with flying colours – but two missed the mark in at least one test. This supermarket-own product passed the UVA part of the testing but fell short on SPF protection. According to Which?, lab results showed an SPF of 25.7 and then 20.7 on retest – lower than the SPF30 claim and below the threshold needed to pass. The supermarket told Which? it's "looking closely at the results" and is carrying out further independent testing with its supplier. Ultrasun met the SPF requirement in testing, but failed to hit the minimum UVA protection. Which? recorded a UVA protection factor of 9.1 and 9.5 across two tests, just below the required level of 10. Ultrasun told Which? it is "fully confident in its testing protocols and that its detailed testing processes continue to not only meet, but surpass industry standards." It also said its chosen testing protocol is one of the strictest available. Tested and approved – here are the sunscreens Which? says deliver on sun protection: Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion, £5.50 Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Spray, £5.50 Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion, £7.90 Lidl Cien Sun Protect Spray SPF30, £3.79 Sainsbury's Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion, £5.50 Superdrug Solait Sun Spray, £5.50 Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Spray SPF50+, £11 Sainsbury's Sun Protect Moisturising Spray Lotion SPF50+, £5.75 Aldi Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, £2.99 Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+, £5.50 Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Spray SPF50+, £7.90 Childs Farm Fragrance-Free Sun Cream SPF50+, £12 Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+, £5.50 When it comes to SPF, Which? and NHS guidance suggest looking for: A minimum SPF of 30 for UVB protection A UVA protection seal (a circle with 'UVA' inside) or Boots' four- or five-star UVA rating Water resistance if you're swimming or sweating Reapplication every two hours (more if swimming or towelling off) It's worth checking the expiry date too — suncream can lose its effectiveness over time. Kids' skin is around 30% thinner than adults', which means UV rays can cause damage more quickly. Their skin also produces less melanin – the pigment that helps protect against sunburn – so they need extra protection. Look for suncream with SPF 30 or higher, ideally labelled for children or sensitive skin. Water-resistant options are a good bet too, especially if they're splashing about. Wide-brimmed hats, rash vests and UV-protective sunglasses can all help keep them covered. And if you're unsure of a brand to go for before your next top up, Which? has lots of sunscreen information on its website. Suncream helps, but it's just one part of the picture. Here's what the NHS and British Skin Foundation recommend for staying protected during exposure to the sun: Stick to the shade (11am–3pm): UV is strongest midday, so take breaks under trees, parasols or cover –just remember rays can still reflect off water or sand. Cover up well: Wear loose, tightly woven clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with a CE mark, UV‑400 or 100% UV protection. Pick sun-safe fabrics: Look for clothing labelled UPF 30+ – UPF 50+ gives the best protection. Apply early, reapply often: Use sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out, then reapply every 2 hours – or sooner if you're swimming or towelling off. Use enough: Aim for 6–8 teaspoons to cover your whole body – most of us don't use enough. Check the label: Go for SPF 30+ and either 4–5 stars or a UVA-in-a-circle symbol to ensure broad protection. Don't ditch it on cloudy days: UV still gets through clouds and bounces off sand, water and snow – protection's still essential. Read more about suncream: The 4 most important things to check on your sunscreen, according to a dermatologist (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) Why you need sunscreen all year round, even indoors (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read) The 8 best sunscreens for kids and adults – and the correct SPF to use for your age (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Shoppers are racing to nab ‘best sun cream ever' that's now FREE – it's ‘great for school days' & takes seconds to apply
WITH temperatures continuing to soar, if you're in search of sun cream that's great for little ones, you've come to the right place. And if your purse is feeling the pinch more than ever before, fear not, as now, the 'best sun cream ever' is totally free - yes, you heard that correctly. 4 Shoppers are racing to get to their nearest Boots store, eager to get their hands on the 'best sun cream ever' that's now totally free Credit: Alamy 4 Not only this, but it's perfect for school days and holidays too Credit: Alamy 4 Carrie Webster took to social media to alert others to the deal, leaving many gobsmacked Credit: ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK 4 With this deal, you'll get a bottle of the Soltan Kids Once 8hr Protect & Play Suncare Lotion SPF50+ 200ml for free Credit: ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK But you'll need to move quickly if you want to nab this epic freebie, as it's only available whilst stocks last. One savvy shopper was left beaming after browsing the shelves in her local Boots store, when she noticed the brilliant summer deal. Thrilled with her freebie, Carrie Webster took to social media to alert others, leaving many totally stunned. Posting on Read more Fabulous stories Alongside the post, Carrie beamed: 'Bargain in 'Buy two Soltan [bottles and] get the 8hr protect one for free!' While Boots Advantage card members will normally pay £4.95 a bottle for the Soltan Kids Once 8hr Protect & Play Suncare Lotion SPF50+ 200ml, with this limited-time cracking offer, Clearly overjoyed with her freebie which she nabbed from her local store in Gravesend, Carrie then added: 'The 8hr protect one is great for school days!' Most read in Fabulous According to the product listing, this 'advanced sun protection' product has 'UVA and UVB filters to help protect skin against short and long term skin damage and premature skin ageing.' It takes just seconds to apply and has been hailed as 'perfect for outdoor adventures and on holiday." Kelsey Parker mum-shamed for admitting she doesn't put suncream on her kids The Boots buy is said to deliver 'eight hours of sun protection from a single application,' provided you follow the instructions. For best protection, generously apply the It is "water resistant, dermatologically tested and vegan-friendly". But parents should note that you should reapply if more time is spent in the water. Not only this, but it's also suitable for Best sun cream ever Facebook user Alongside this, Carrie also bought two bottles of Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion, in factors 30 and 50+. This jaw-dropping offer is subject to stock availability, with your free gift being added to your basket on qualifying purchases while stocks last. Bargain hunters beam Facebook users were left beaming with the freebie, as one person said: 'Need to get these.' Whilst another added: 'I got this offer today, definitely a Meanwhile, other One user simply beamed: 'Best sun cream ever.' The importance of sun cream in your skincare routine Dermatologist and skincare enthusiast Andrea Suarez - known as Dr Dray - revealed why you should wear suncream. The one thing you can do that will make the biggest difference - and this matters for all ages - is protecting your skin from the sun, Andrea stressed. "The vast majority of external aging is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation," she continued, not because you're "not using some jazzy serum or layering 90 different things on your face everyday". "If you're not doing in your 20s, get on that now." But she said the use of sun cream alone doesn't go far enough. Andrea urged that you also wear sun-protective clothing like broad-brimmed hats and long sleeves, on top of not staying out too long in the sun. Doing this over your lifetime - and all year, not just during the summer or on sunny days - "will reduce the visible signs of photoageing", Andrea said. Those are wrinkles, muddled pigmentation and sagging skin. A second chimed in and wrote: 'I use the 8 hour one for my boys for school! No issues, also used it on previous abroad holidays and they never burnt even going in the pool! I stand by this sun cream for my older kids.' Someone else claimed: 'My kids NEVER burn with any of the baby or kids Soltan sun creams!' Whilst another Boots shopper explained: 'I swear by these Soltan once ones and we holiday in summer in Egypt and Turkey and Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Shoppers are racing to nab ‘best sun cream ever' that's now FREE – it's ‘great for school days' & takes seconds to apply
Watch the video to find out the three mistakes you're making when applying your sun cream SUN SAVER Shoppers are racing to nab 'best sun cream ever' that's now FREE – it's 'great for school days' & takes seconds to apply WITH temperatures continuing to soar, if you're in search of sun cream that's great for little ones, you've come to the right place. And if your purse is feeling the pinch more than ever before, fear not, as now, the 'best sun cream ever' is totally free - yes, you heard that correctly. Advertisement 4 Shoppers are racing to get to their nearest Boots store, eager to get their hands on the 'best sun cream ever' that's now totally free Credit: Alamy 4 Not only this, but it's perfect for school days and holidays too Credit: Alamy 4 Carrie Webster took to social media to alert others to the deal, leaving many gobsmacked Credit: ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK 4 With this deal, you'll get a bottle of the Soltan Kids Once 8hr Protect & Play Suncare Lotion SPF50+ 200ml for free Credit: ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK But you'll need to move quickly if you want to nab this epic freebie, as it's only available whilst stocks last. One savvy shopper was left beaming after browsing the shelves in her local Boots store, when she noticed the brilliant summer deal. Thrilled with her freebie, Carrie Webster took to social media to alert others, leaving many totally stunned. Posting on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, a private Facebook group with 2.6 million members, Carrie uploaded a snap of her haul, alongside a picture of her receipt. Advertisement Alongside the post, Carrie beamed: 'Bargain in Boots for sun cream! 'Buy two Soltan [bottles and] get the 8hr protect one for free!' While Boots Advantage card members will normally pay £4.95 a bottle for the Soltan Kids Once 8hr Protect & Play Suncare Lotion SPF50+ 200ml, with this limited-time cracking offer, shoppers can now get it totally free when they buy two selected Soltan products. Clearly overjoyed with her freebie which she nabbed from her local store in Gravesend, Carrie then added: 'The 8hr protect one is great for school days!' Advertisement According to the product listing, this 'advanced sun protection' product has 'UVA and UVB filters to help protect skin against short and long term skin damage and premature skin ageing.' It takes just seconds to apply and has been hailed as 'perfect for outdoor adventures and on holiday." Kelsey Parker mum-shamed for admitting she doesn't put suncream on her kids The Boots buy is said to deliver 'eight hours of sun protection from a single application,' provided you follow the instructions. For best protection, generously apply the sun cream 15 minutes before going into the sun and rub in well. Advertisement It is "water resistant, dermatologically tested and vegan-friendly". But parents should note that you should reapply if more time is spent in the water. Not only this, but it's also suitable for sensitive skin too. Advertisement Best sun cream ever Facebook user Alongside this, Carrie also bought two bottles of Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion, in factors 30 and 50+. This jaw-dropping offer is subject to stock availability, with your free gift being added to your basket on qualifying purchases while stocks last. Bargain hunters beam Facebook users were left beaming with the freebie, as one person said: 'Need to get these.' Whilst another added: 'I got this offer today, definitely a bargain.' Advertisement Meanwhile, other bargain hunters eagerly raced to the comments to share their rave reviews on the high-street sun cream. One user simply beamed: 'Best sun cream ever.' The importance of sun cream in your skincare routine Dermatologist and skincare enthusiast Andrea Suarez - known as Dr Dray - revealed why you should wear suncream. The one thing you can do that will make the biggest difference - and this matters for all ages - is protecting your skin from the sun, Andrea stressed. "The vast majority of external aging is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation," she continued, not because you're "not using some jazzy serum or layering 90 different things on your face everyday". "If you're not doing in your 20s, get on that now." But she said the use of sun cream alone doesn't go far enough. Andrea urged that you also wear sun-protective clothing like broad-brimmed hats and long sleeves, on top of not staying out too long in the sun. Doing this over your lifetime - and all year, not just during the summer or on sunny days - "will reduce the visible signs of photoageing", Andrea said. Those are wrinkles, muddled pigmentation and sagging skin. A second chimed in and wrote: 'I use the 8 hour one for my boys for school! No issues, also used it on previous abroad holidays and they never burnt even going in the pool! I stand by this sun cream for my older kids.' Someone else claimed: 'My kids NEVER burn with any of the baby or kids Soltan sun creams!' Advertisement Whilst another Boots shopper explained: 'I swear by these Soltan once ones and we holiday in summer in Egypt and Turkey and Cape Verde (all very hot). All of my children are fair and they have never burnt with it and I only use the 30 for them most of the time.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
South Wales Argus
9 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Morrisons & Ultrasun sun cream warning as safety test failed
Ultrasun Family SPF30, which costs £28 for 150ml and is marketed as being 'perfect for the whole family' and 'especially suitable for children and those with sensitive skin', failed to meet minimum sun cream UVA protection levels in two separate tests by Which?. Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30 also failed to meet minimum SPF protection levels in two tests. (Image: Which? PA Wire) Ultrasun passed the UVB SPF part of the test but failed on UVA testing, scoring 9.1 and then 9.5 in a retest. Which? required a score of 10 or more for a pass. Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray product passed UVA tests but failed the UVB/SPF tests with scores of 25.7 and then 20.7 – short of the 30 or more needed to pass. Which? tested 15 popular sun creams this year, including Boots, Garnier and Nivea as well as supermarket own-brand products. Aldi's Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, which costs £2.99 for 200ml, was found to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Cien Sun Spray 30 SPF High (£3.79/200ml), from fellow discounter Lidl, also passed all SPF and UVA testing, with Which? describing it as a 'solid option for affordable and reliable sun protection'. Some 11 other products, including Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30 (£5.50 for 200ml), Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30 (£7.90 for 200ml) and Sainsbury's Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion SPF30 (£5.50 for 200ml) passed SPF and UVA safety tests. Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: 'It's really concerning that widely available sunscreens could be putting families at risk by failing to offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging. 'While shoppers should avoid buying our 'don't buys', our results prove that there's no need to splash out to keep you and your loved ones safe in the sun as we've found cheap reliable options at Aldi and Lidl.' A spokeswoman for Ultrasun said: 'Ultrasun is fully confident in our testing protocols. As an independent brand delivering very high UVB and UVA protection options for over 30 years, our detailed testing processes, independent and peer reviewed, continue to not only meet but surpass industry standards. 'Our chosen testing protocol is one of the strictest available. Further detail and clarification from Which? on their testing protocols would also be helpful, particularly on how these resulted in two different results from the same sample.' Morrisons told Which? that it was looking closely at the data and working with its supplier to carry out additional independent testing. Recommended reading: What are UVA and UVB rays, and what does SPF mean? UVA and UVB rays both cause different types of damage, and not all sun creams protect against them in the same way. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB to cause long-term damage, including all types of skin cancer, and play a role in the ageing process, such as causing wrinkles, sun spots and leathery skin. UVB rays are mostly responsible for sunburn and skin reddening. They do not penetrate as deeply as UVA rays but they are just as damaging, and can play a large part in the development of skin cancers including melanoma. SPF stands for 'sun protection factor', and indicates the level of protection a sun cream provides against burning rays. SPFs range from 2 to 50+, with 50+ offering the most protection against UVB.
