Is sun cream bad for you? Skin expert reveals the truth behind rumours that SPF Factor 50 is not good for your skin and doesn't protect

So imagine my shock when my friend turned to me and said she’d heard that SPF factor 50 sun cream is actually bad for your skin and doesn’t protect you from burning. After I got over the initial horror and my brain tried to take in the unfathomable information, I needed to find out more.

Apparently there are rumours on the internet - Facebook mum groups in particular - that are saying SPF Factor 50 sun cream clogs your pores, sinks in to your skin and therefore doesn’t doesn’t protect you or your children from being burnt by the sun. 

Now I am someone who burns very easily and lived in Cyprus for three years, so I swear by SPF 50 and have used it for years always believing that a high protection is better for mine and my son's skin. But am I wrong and have I been wasting my time all along?  

I spoke to skin expert Faye Klavas a Brand and Devices Educator, from Healthxchange's Clinical Team she explained: “SPF 50 will definitely protect your skin against the sun and is not bad for your skin - although that's quite a subjective term and like mentioned previously will depend on the individual product, for example there are some studies that show that SPF with high chemical SPF ingredients can have a negative response. 

“Having said that it's about balance and it's safer to use than the long-term risks we know are caused by burning from UV exposure that we often get as children. SPF 50 will protect children's skin if used as directed and keeping in mind there are different versions such as chemical, physical, and mineral SPFs, but as with everything with skincare it's not one size fits all.”

The key point Faye makes is that ‘SPF 50 will protect you and your kids' skin’. It seems we probably shouldn’t believe everything we see on the internet, especially in Facebook groups. The best thing to do for summer skin protection is wear an SPF, whether you choose  factor 15, 30 or 50 just remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day and especially if you've been swimming in the pool. 

NIVEA SUN Protect & Dry Touch Sun Cream Spray SPF50 £11.00 is one of the best sprays for all over your body plus it's great for the whole family to use. As someone who knows the secret to fighting wrinkles is wearing sun protection everyday, I am a huge fan of La Roche-Posay UVMUNE Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 £20 it works perfectly underneath your makeup too. 

Natalie Dixon is NationalWorld’s Lifestyle reporter. If you liked this article and want to read more about soaps, celebrities and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here. 

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