Is an Expensive Sunscreen Worth It?

The Times’ popular Weekend supplement looks ahead to the summer with a feature which pulls together expert tips and views on subjects from sharing a villa to pool etiquette, choosing a restaurant and holiday fashion in a feature entitled:

“How the experts travel in style and without stress.

“Have the perfect summer holiday with our insiders’ guide – from sunscreen and shades to getting the best deals”

Dr Ross Perry was invited to give expert advice on sunscreen – specifically, whether it is important to pay for a more expensive brand. Ross explains:

“Most sunscreens that you get from a chemist are sufficient for good sun protection. The only reason to spend more would be if you are prone to sensitive skin or outbreaks of acne with some cheaper creams.

“Opting for a higher SPF, a measure of how well it protects against sunburn, won’t necessarily offer more protection either. In reality, the difference between an SPF30 and 50 is marginal when it comes to their ability to block UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn. A factor-30 cream blocks about 96.7% of UVB rays while a factor 50 blocks 99%.

“The single most important thing about sun protection creams is not how much they cost, but how well and how regularly you apply them. Ideally apply 15 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply every 2-3 hours if out and about on a hot day.

“And remember, the delicate under-eye skin and the eyelids are vulnerable to UV radiation and cancers. They are not easy areas to apply sunblock as it can drip into the eyes and irritate. Just be careful not to use sunblocks that are alcohol-based as these will irritate more, and apply a cream or block stick rather than a lotion. You should always wear sunglasses, as they protect the eyelids. And of course, stay in the shade when you can.”

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Read the article in full on The Times website: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/how-the-experts-travel-in-style-and-without-stress-fzltll3pj (registration required to read in full, subscription may also be required).

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He has provided expert advice on sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email info@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.