What SPF Should I Use in Summer

SPF stands for sun protection factor. It works by reducing the amount of UV light that can make it through to your skin. Knowing which SPF you should use is dependent on a number of factors. You should consider which would work best with your skin-type, how much protection you need and what format you want your SPF to be. 

Whilst all Eucerin products are made with scientifically-backed formulations and dermatologically approved for skin compatibility, they each have different benefits tailored to different skin types and concerns.

There is a lot of misinformation about what SPF numbers mean and which one you should use. The number refers to the proportion of UV rays blocked by the sunscreen. For example, SPF 30 means that the sunscreen reduces the amount of UV rays reaching your skin to 1/30, which equates to around a 97% reduction.

Ideally, in summer you should use a higher SPF, such as SPF 30 or above, and preferably SPF 50 if you'll be spending extended time outdoors—especially during peak UV hours (10am–4pm).

Here's why:

• SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. That 1% difference sounds small, but it can make a big impact over time, especially for sensitive or fair skin. 
• Stronger sun and longer exposure in summer increases your risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer
• Water, sand, and sweat all reduce sunscreen effectiveness, so using a higher SPF gives you better protection in real-world conditions. 

There isn’t a huge amount of difference between the different SPF numbers but the most important thing to remember when protecting your skin is the amount you use and how often you reapply. 

Failure to reapply sunscreen throughout the day will leave you vulnerable to the sun and make the SPF you have already applied ineffective. That being said, SPF 50 will provide more protection, so is the better option if you are trying to decide between the two.

Look for a broad-spectrum formula (protecting against both UVA and UVB) and reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. If you wear makeup or moisturiser with SPF, those are fine for short periods, but not enough alone for long outdoor exposure.

SPF 100 protects against 99% of UV rays and is great if you’re looking for something that offers more protection than your factor 50. Eucerin Actinic Control is a certified medical device with SPF 100 UVB and UVA protection, for the prevention of actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer, or as adjunctive treatment of actinic keratosis.

While using any sunscreen is better than none, SPF 15 is generally too low for summer, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. It only blocks about 93% of UVB rays, which means your skin is still at risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and long-term damage—particularly when the UV index is high, as it often is in summer. Even light tanning damages the skin, and SPF 15 makes this more likely to happen.

For better protection, choose SPF 30 or higher for daily use in summer. Go for SPF 50 if you have fair skin, burn easily, or plan to be in the sun for longer periods.

It’s important that everyone wears SPF. Even if you find you don’t burn as much, applying sun creams will protect you from forms of skin cancer and premature ageing. It is true that darker skin pigment can provide some natural sun protection, however this can never be more than SPF 13 which is less than recommended, even in winter.

There are lots of different names given to sun creams. In some cases, it’s important to know the distinction, whilst in others the meanings might be similar.

• Sun cream vs sunscreen vs sun lotion: these terms can be used interchangeably and describe any product that protects the skin from the sun. 
• Sunscreen vs sun block: whilst sunscreens are chemical, sun block’s refer to physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreen), which use physical protection to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. They will contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to act as a barrier which sits on the skin’s surface and prevents rays from penetrating.

This depends on what you want from a sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens can be great for those with sensitive skin as the formula won’t penetrate into the skin and risk irritation. However, many people opt for chemical sunscreen for their lighter consistency and effortless application compared to mineral sun blocks, which often leave a white cast on the skin.

UVB rays are associated with skin burning, whilst UVA rays are what can cause ageing. Sun rays consist of both UVA and UVB rays so it’s important to protect our skin against both. 

Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen all year round—even in winter—and especially during summer, when UV levels are higher and the risk of sun damage increases. Even less intense sunlight can still contribute to skin ageing and long-term damage.

While you might not need to apply it to your entire body every day, it’s important to include a facial SPF in your daily skincare routine, as facial skin is more delicate. Don’t forget to cover your neck and décolletage, too, to help prevent wrinkles and sun-related ageing in those areas.

If you’re spending more time outdoors during the summer months, increase your SPF to ensure better protection—SPF 30 or higher is recommended, and SPF 50 if you're in strong sunlight for extended periods.

Many people would assume that higher SPF numbers last longer, but this is untrue. Over time, sunlight causes the chemicals in sunscreen to become inactive, irrespective of the SPF number or whether it is mineral or chemical sunscreen. 

This is why it is important to reapply sun lotion every two hours, regardless of the SPF rating. Learn more about reapply sunscreen and how much to use.

Eucerin Sun Face Hydro Protect SPF50+ is suitable for all skin types making it perfect for people with combination skin who want to protect both their dry and oily areas. It offers a non-greasy texture and fast absorption to encourage reapplication throughout the day.

For anyone who experiences hyperpigmentation, the Pigment Control SPF50+ protects against rays and free radicals, whilst also reducing dark spots and helping to limit their reappearance.

Eucerin also offers a tinted version which contains colour pigments to give the appearance of more even skin tone.

If you’re someone who suffers from sun allergies, then face and body sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection as well as HEVIS light defence. It’s formulated with Alpha-Glycosylrutin which is known to prevent sun-induced allergies.

The Sensitive Protect formula supports the skin’s own DNA repair mechanism making it great for anyone with sensitive skin. It is gentle enough to be used on dry and atopic skin and is unscented with a light creamy texture to avoid discomfort. This is also available in a fluid form for those with oily skin that is also sensitive.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, the Sun Fluid Photoageing Control visibly reduces signs of ageing whilst preventing photoageing through its broad-spectrum protective properties. The carefully chosen ingredients help to fight free radicals and support the skin’s DNA repair mechanism.

Eucerin’s Oil Control Sun Gel Creme offers broad-spectrum protection for all skin types as well as HEVIS light defence. The ultra-light non-comedogenic formula absorbs quickly into skin without leaving residue, for a dry touch finish. Perfect for people with oily skin that don’t want to feel greasy from their suncream, and available for both the face and body.

Forgetting to reapply sunscreen frequently enough can lead to burning, in which case the Sensitive Relief After Sun can repair and soothe sun induced damage across the face and body.