In 2017 there were approximately 14,000 new cases of melanoma and 147,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancers. Melanoma and certain non–melanoma skin cancer can be fatal. The cases of melanoma have dramatically increased over the years. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA and UVB (also UVC which does not reach the earth surface). Years of research has confirmed that both these rays can cause melanoma and non- melanoma skin cancers. Sunscreen successfully prevents most of these rays from reaching our skin and thus reducing our risk of skin cancer. In terms of actual sun protection, it has a factor of 50+ and protects against UVA and UVB rays. And besides that, it contains a whole host of ingredients — like acerola cherry extract and spirulina — to brighten and soothe your skin. It's cruelty-free, vegan, sustainable, and paraben free too. An SPF of 30 allows about 3% of UVB to penetrate the skin and SPF 50 about 2%. This does not seem much but can make a big difference in certain skin types. How do I protect against UVA radiation? We used this on super oily skin and were relieved to see that this SPF is non-comedogenic and oil-free. Oily skin or not, it's important for everyone to stay hydrated and protected against the sun's harmful rays, and it can be hard to find a product that does both of these things without leaving a greasy film. However, this product does. It's a lightweight mist that you spray over your makeup to top up your SPF and treat your cells with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, Vitamin C and E, and aloe vera.

It goes without saying that you need protection from both UVA and UVB in your sun protection, and, thankfully, almost all of today’s sun creams offer this. How do you know? Look for the words ‘broad spectrum’ on the bottle. While the product is supposed to be fragrance-free, we could detect a subtle scent that was reminiscent of sunshine and holidays, but in a demure kind of way. If you're using sun cream at the beach, apply plenty before swimming, and again when you leave the water. Reef-safe sun creams It's illegal for people under the age of 18 to use sunbeds, including in tanning salons, beauty salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels. Each bottle contains about six full applications for an average adult, so even though you'd need to buy a fair few bottles to last you throughout the summer, it's still pretty cheap. Aldi sells this product in SPF 15, SPF 30 and SPF 50, and also make a kid-friendly version that is SPF50+ and is slightly grey tinted to show you where it has been applied and ensure full coverage.Eat well, live better and stay healthy - sign up for our free monthly Food & Health newsletter for the latest insights delivered straight to your inbox Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, but it can be cured if detected early. Find out how to spot skin cancer. Natural sunscreens: Sunscreens labelled as natural tend to be mineral based therefore containing zinc or titanium. They are good for immediate protection. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied liberally and frequently, and according to the manufacturer's instructions. Water resistant: These are good for use during water activities, they will need to be reapplied, however no sunscreen is truly waterproof.

We award Which? Best Buy status to products that we've independently reviewed that meet all our tough criteria: they must pass independent lab tests for UVA and UVB sun protection, and be easy and pleasant to apply.

Sunscreens can be confusing!

For more details on the importance of vitamin D and where to buy supplements, see our in-depth vitamin D guide . Other ways to stay safe in the sun Take extra care to protect babies and children. Their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin, and damage caused by repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer developing in later life. Ultra Violette is one of the trendiest suncare brands on the market, and its brand-new SPF50 reapplication mist is a total hit online and in my books.

The lotion is water-resistant but doesn’t state for how long, and it’s reef friendly. However, the 100ml bottle isn’t going to last long if you use it on the whole family though. There is no evidence to suggest this. A recent study showed that even with regular and appropriate application of sunscreen there was excellent synthesis of Vitamin D. It’s generally recommended that you use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15, along with a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars. So if your skin normally reddens after 10 mins in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you stay in the sun for 150 mins. The higher the number the longer the protection. However SPF is actually a measure of the degree of protection it gives you from UVB rays and should not be used to determine the length of sun exposure. Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy.

How much do sunscreens cost?

It takes longer for those with darker skin that rarely burns – it can take 25-40 minutes for the darkest skin type. If you like to spend your holidays in the pool or sea, then the Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect is perfect as it’s water resistant for up to four hours (Bondi recommends you reapply after two hours when swimming). It also contains ethically sourced algae to keep your skin hydrated. Remember, sun cream is just one part of staying safe in the sun and it's also really important to encourage kids (and adults) to: Could skin problems be one of the signifiers of what has been branded a “stealth” condition - genetic haemochromatosis?