Sun Protection Habits: A Practical Everyday Guide

Simple, practical sun protection guidance you can put into use straight away.

Understand what sun protection does

Sun protection is about creating a barrier between your skin and sunlight. You do not need special products for most daily situations. Start with the choices you make before you leave the house.

Wear long sleeves, trousers, closed shoes where comfortable. A close weave covers you better than a loose or sheer one. Wide brimmed hats that cover your ears and neck work better than baseball caps. Sunglasses protect the thin skin around your eyes.

Choose pieces you find comfortable in the heat, because you will actually keep them on.

You will find long sleeves and cover-ups in Everyday Clothing and Swimwear & Cover-Ups.

When to use sun cream

Use sun cream on skin that is left uncovered when you are out in bright sun. Sunlight still reaches you on bright, overcast days.

Rub it in evenly and do not leave thin patches. The label tells you how early to apply it and when to reapply, for example after swimming or towelling.

Always follow the product label instructions. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if unsure. You will find suitable options in Skincare & Personal Care and Bath & Body.

5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose.

Plan your day around the sun

The brightest part of the day is roughly between 11am and 3pm. Where possible, schedule long walks, gardening or outside work for earlier or later in the day.

If you have to be out during this window, look for shade. Sit under a tree, an awning or a parasol. Shade helps, but it does not block all light. You still need to cover exposed skin when sitting in shade.

Carry a foldable hat and thin long sleeve top with you. These take almost no space in a bag, and you can put them on if the sun comes out unexpectedly. For day trips, you can pack these in Luggage & Travel Bags.

Sun protection for sensitive skin

Everyone's skin reacts differently. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it and ask a pharmacist what to try instead. Always test a small amount on the inside of your arm first, wait 24 hours, and check for redness or discomfort before using it all over.

Avoid products with added fragrance if you know your skin reacts easily.

You can ask Lucy our AI stylist for suggestions suited to your routine, or browse Lucy's Picks for regularly updated options.

Good habits that make a difference

You do not need to make big changes. Small consistent actions work much better than occasional elaborate steps.

Keep a hat by your front door, so you grab it without thinking. Keep a small tube of sun cream in your bag, your car and your desk at work. That way you never get caught out without it.

Wash sun cream off gently at the end of the day, as part of your normal evening routine. Follow this with your usual face and body care. You do not need special cleansers for this.

Check what you already own

Many people already have everything they need for good sun protection somewhere in their home. Go through your wardrobe once. Pull out all long sleeve tops, hats and shirts that you already own and like wearing.

You do not need to buy new items. Items you already wear regularly will get used, unlike special items you buy just for sun protection and then forget.

You can log items you already own in the Virtual Closet to plan outfits for warm days, and see what combinations work for different weather.

How giving works when you shop with us

5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose. After your order you pick one of three causes: CARE International, Cool Earth or Project Zero. The donation is paid out through PayPal Giving Fund UK. Those three causes, together with how we run our own store (honest product data, fair prices), are matched to 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

That is the heart of the 1% Movement: small choices × millions of us = change. It is a giving promise we can show you, and it is the only promise we make on this page.

Questions people ask

Do I need sun protection on cloudy days?

Yes. Sunlight passes through thin cloud. If you can see your shadow on the ground, you need to cover exposed skin. Always follow product guidance for any products you use.

How much sun cream should I apply each time?

Use enough to cover all exposed skin evenly. The label says how much to use. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist for guidance.

Can I use clothing instead of sun cream?

Clothing is a simple way to cover skin, and it does not need reapplying. How much it helps depends on the fabric and the fit. You will still need to cover face, neck and hands.

When should I ask a doctor about sun protection?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have very fair skin, any skin conditions, or if you are unsure which products are right for you. Always follow medical advice you are given.