Expert Explains How Much Suncream You Should Really be Applying

With temperatures set to reach 30C in the UK this week, Brits are being advised to make sure they're applying suncream effectively.

And one expert has revealed how much sunscreen you should actually be applying to make sure you're properly protected.

Bruce Green - chartered chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare - has revealed how much SPF you should apply and when.

He told The Mirror: "Most individuals use too little sunscreen. If you must sunbathe, think about a double application of sun cream. Apply the first layer 15-30 minutes before the beach and then apply another layer when you hit the sun. It's like getting a protective coat of armour.

"Use enough cream to cover thoroughly all exposed areas: face, nose and ears, hands, arms, and legs. Don’t forget the backs of yours and other necks."

Green warned that no matter how good your SPF is, it's only as good as its application and re-application. "Reapply sunscreen every two hours or so and after swimming or sport," he added.

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The UK could see the hottest June day in 40 years this week, with Netweather predicting that temperatures could exceed the previous June record of 35.6C, recorded in London in 1957 and Southampton in 1976.

The meteorological site's forecast read: "Operational forecast runs from the ECMWF [European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts] and GFS [Global Forecast System] are suggesting the potential for record-breaking temperatures of around 35-36C in the south-east.

"For comparison, the UK record temperature for June is 35.6C, set in Southampton on 28 June 1976 during a famous hot spell.

"However, some forecast runs have the hottest weather not quite making the British Isles, with the south-east just nudging the low 30s Celsius - which would still be hot by most standards, but not record-breaking."

According to the Met Office, London will see highs of 32C on Friday, with other areas of the south-east seeing temperatures of 30C.

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With temperatures set to soar, the RSPCA has issued an urgent warning to owners, reminding them that dogs shouldn’t be walked in these temperatures.

The charity explained that it’s particularly dangerous to walk dogs in areas without adequate shade, advising: "If in doubt, don't go out."

RSPCA dog welfare specialist Esme Wheeler told MyLondon: "The truth is walking dogs in hot weather can be a silent killer.

"While the majority would never leave our dogs in a car on a hot day, or even take our dogs for a really long walk in the heat, many people may still be putting their dogs at risk even on a short walk, or taking them to places such as fields and beaches with little or no shade.

"We have long-campaigned that dogs die in hot cars, but this year we’re highlighting that dogs die on hot walks, too.

"The message remains very simple – never leave a dog in a hot car because ‘not long’ is too long, and when it comes to walks, 'if in doubt, don’t go out.'"

Topics: Health

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine