[Clare.T]

Hello Nicky !
We were posting this at the same time so I have deleted mine which read

"Which" is the UK consumer watchdog organisation. They have just published a report on sunscreens. The SPF rating refers only to UVB protection and we need broad spectrum which includes UVA. UVA protection is indicated by in the UK by stars - I think 5 is the maximum/ All the same I thought this was interesting and shows how careful one needs to be.
According to which Tesco SPF15 only provided an SPF of 12; Malibu High Protection SPF 15 was only 10.2 and M&S 15 was only 7.5, according to "Which" tests.

In contrast they found that Sainsbury's SPF 15 rated a 20.2 and costs only £3.
Quote:

Other highly-rated brands included Asda Sun System, Garnier Ambre Solaire Clear Protect, Nivea sun Moisturising Sun Spray, Boots Soltan Moistruing Sun Care Lotion and L'Oreal Solare Expertise Advances Anti-Ageing Sun Protection Lotion.
Tesco and M&S defended their products, saying they were tested to high standards.
(SkyNews report via Yahoo)



We can get prescription sunblocks on NHS if prescribed by specialist. Ask your pharmacy for details - GPs and even specialists usually don't know which are available on Prescription. I get the Australian Sunsense and am very pleased with it- it is invisible. Note that it is probably on the GP's list as SPF50, not SPF60, for some mysterious reason but that doesn't matter.





Clare
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[Clare.T]

There are about six prescription sunscreens available on the NHS and I really must pull my finger out to find the list. Neutrogena is one that I know some members are pleased with. There might be a Vichy one too but my pharmacist looked them up for me.

Sunscreen really is the last line of defence, after avoidance and other forms of protection such as clothing. "Slip, slap, slop" in that order : slip on clothing slap on a hat & glasses and slop on the sunscreen. It should be used indoors and out, summer and winter.

For photosensitive people there is no such thing as safe tanning. Tanning equals damage. All the tans you see on the stars are fake - they don't risk damaging their skin and their careers, not the women anyway.

The top ingredient to look for is still Mexoryl but I don't think the prescription ones include any with this ingredient. This is the time of year to keep an eye out for 2 for 1 offers at Boots.

Take care

Clare