Posted by Sam Ball
on July 22, 2026
The safest way to look sun-kissed is to protect first and glow second: wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 every day, reapply every two hours in the sun, and get your colour from self-tan rather than UV rays. This is your UK summer playbook for a golden glow with none of the damage, using trusted names like La Roche-Posay, Avène, Vichy, ISDIN and Lancaster.
What SPF should you actually use?
For daily life, a broad-spectrum SPF 30 is the sensible minimum, it blocks around 97% of UVB rays. For strong sun, holidays, or if you have fair or sensitive skin, go to SPF 50 or 50+ (around 98%+). "Broad spectrum" is the key phrase: it means protection against both UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing and deeper damage). No sunscreen blocks 100%, which is why reapplication matters more than the number alone.
How to apply sunscreen properly:
- Use enough, around two finger-lengths for the face and neck, a shot-glass amount for the body.
- Apply 15–20 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every 2 hours, and straight after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.
- Don't forget ears, hairline, tops of feet and the back of the neck.
Match your SPF to your skin
- Sensitive or reactive skin: mineral or gentle formulas from Avène and La Roche-Posay.
- Oily / breakout-prone: lightweight, non-greasy fluids, La Roche-Posay Anthelios and ISDIN are popular.
- Everyday under makeup: a fast-absorbing SPF fluid from Vichy or Lancaster.
- Mature skin: a high-factor SPF with antioxidants to defend against UVA ageing.
Get your glow from a bottle, not the sun
There's no such thing as a "safe" suntan from UV, a tan is your skin's response to damage. The safe way to look bronzed is self-tan. Modern formulas (mousses, drops and gradual lotions) have come a long way from the streaky, biscuit-smelling tans of the past. For a natural finish: exfoliate first, moisturise dry patches (elbows, knees, ankles), apply with a mitt in circular motions, and build gradually. Bronzing drops mixed into your moisturiser give an easy, customisable glow.
Don't forget after-sun
Even with good protection, summer skin needs replenishing. A cooling after-sun or a rich moisturiser rehydrates skin, calms warmth and helps your glow last longer. Lancaster and Sol de Janeiro are lovely for this.
Shop the summer edit
Checkout Beauty's sun care range brings together dermatologist-loved SPF and after-sun from La Roche-Posay, Avène, Vichy, ISDIN, Clarins and Lancaster, 100% authentic, at prices that make protecting your skin properly a lot more affordable.
Frequently asked questions
What SPF should I use in summer?
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 as a daily minimum, and SPF 50 or 50+ for strong sun, holidays, or fair and sensitive skin. Reapply every two hours for it to work properly.
Is factor 50 really necessary?
SPF 50 blocks slightly more UVB than SPF 30 (about 98% vs 97%) and is worth it for intense sun, fair skin, or extended exposure. For everyday use, SPF 30 applied generously is usually enough.
How can I tan safely?
The safest tan doesn't come from UV at all. Use a self-tan mousse, lotion or bronzing drops for colour, and always protect your skin from the sun with SPF. A UV tan is a sign of skin damage.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Every two hours when you're in the sun, and immediately after swimming, sweating or towelling off, regardless of the SPF number on the bottle.
☀️ Glow the safe way this summer. Shop SPF, after-sun and self-tan at Checkout Beauty.
Internal links to add: sun care collection, after-sun, self-tan, skincare routine blog (#2). Note: "tanning" collection currently redirects to sun care, confirm the correct handle before publishing. FAQ schema below.
