If you've ever stood in the sun protection aisle staring at SPF numbers, UVA logos and star ratings like they're the instructions for assembling flat-pack furniture, you're not alone. Sunscreen labels can be confusing, but the basics are actually quite simple once you know what you're looking at.
SPF - Sun Protection Factor
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are the rays primarily responsible for sunburn. The higher the SPF, the more UVB radiation is filtered out.
SPF 30 blocks around 97%, and SPF 50 blocks around 98%. No sunscreen blocks 100%, but SPF 30 is widely considered the sweet spot for everyday use because it provides strong protection without feeling overly heavy.
UVA/UVB - Ultraviolet Radiation
So what about UVA and UVB? Think of UVB as the ray that burns your skin, while UVA is the one that quietly contributes to premature ageing and long-term skin damage. British weather might not always feel tropical, but UVA rays are present all year round and can even penetrate cloud cover. That's why broad-spectrum protection, which covers both UVA and UVB, is important whether you're heading to the beach or just enjoying an unexpectedly sunny afternoon in the pub garden.
Star Ratings
You'll also notice a star rating on many UK sunscreens. This measures the level of UVA protection relative to the UVB protection. Ratings range from 0 to 5 stars, with 5 stars indicating excellent UVA protection. In simple terms, the more stars, the better balanced the protection. If you're comparing products, a high SPF combined with a high star rating is generally what you want to see.
What Now?
If all of this still feels like a lot to remember, here's the easy version: choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a high UVA star rating, then apply it properly and reapply when needed. That's where DIC SPF 30 Spray comes in. It delivers broad-spectrum protection, a high UVA rating, water resistance and a lightweight, non-greasy feel that makes it easy to wear every day. Because sunscreen only works when you actually use it, and nobody wants their skin protection to feel like hard work.