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Sunscreen myths... fact or fiction?

If I apply SPF 15 twice, that makes it SPF 30

A double application of an SPF 15 product does not give a level of protection equivalent to SPF 30. Reapplying sunscreen acts to maintain the expected level of protection and will not increase this level beyond the SPF on pack.

If I wear a high SPF sunscreen I won’t get a tan

It is possible to get a tan whilst wearing a high factor SPF. Even though the tan may take longer to develop, your risk of skin damage is lower and the tan will last longer too. Trying to tan quickly by using a low factor SPF will increase the risk of damaging the skin and may also result in sunburn.

It’s natural for the skin to tan in the sun - so it must be safe

Most health experts consider the development of a tan to be an indication that the skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself against further damage. While some people may want their skin to have some degree of a tan, it is essential that they are made aware of the risks of sun exposure and are discouraged from developing a deeply coloured tan or getting burned. In order to achieve a tanned looking skin, you could also consider using self-tanning products, but remember they will not offer any sun protection unless they claim an SPF.

Cheap sunscreen products don’t work as well as expensive ones

There is a wide range of sunscreen products available to accommodate various lifestyles and budgets. Just because a product is cheaper does not mean that it will work less effectively than a more expensive product claiming the same level of protection. The laws that cover the manufacture of cosmetic products require that all claims made, including sun protection claims, must be substantiated. It is important though that you buy your sunscreens from a reputable retail outlet.

Organic sunscreens are worse for you

Organic sunscreens are sometimes called “chemical sunscreens”. Chemical sunscreens sometimes get a bad press because of the growing trend to see “chemical” as something of which to be scared. This is simply not the case - all cosmetic products are required by law to be safe, and sunscreens containing organic UV filters are no exception.

I don’t need to apply sunscreen on cloudy days

The sun’s UV rays can penetrate light cloud although they will be somewhat reduced by thick, darker clouds. Therefore, it is still possible to be sunburned in the summer when the sky is cloudy and particularly the closer you are to the Equator. It is therefore always best to be safe and apply sunscreens even on cloudy summer days.

Wearing sunscreen will stop my body from making vitamin D

It is still possible to get all the vitamin D the body needs from incidental sun exposure, even if you’re wearing sunscreen. Most people have sufficient exposure to the sun in their day-to-day lives to produce adequate amounts of this vitamin. It is not necessary to seek extra unprotected sun exposure.

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is an association of manufacturers of cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery products, founded in 1945 to promote the interests of members, primarily with government. That remit has now extended to include the European Commission and many other regulatory bodies, national and international groups.

Members are manufacturers (full members), raw material suppliers and suppliers of services (associate members). Our Council is made up of senior industry representatives from small, medium, large and multi-national companies. Activities are funded through membership subscriptions.

The focus of our work centres on scientific, regulatory and legislative issues. We have a constant dialogue with the UK Government and this process is repeated at European level through COLIPA, the European trade body and internationally through an extensive network of national association contacts.

Visit the CTPA main website »

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is the voice of the cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery industry in the UK. Our members vary from small and medium-sized companies to large multi-nationals and include manufacturers, raw material suppliers and service providers.

Our primary goal is to promote good working practice to ensure that consumers are provided with the very best products. To this end, we co-ordinate the industry's viewpoint on key issues such as science, innovation and safety and maintain an open dialogue with government, both at UK and European level, as well as with international regulatory authorities and key opinion formers.

CTPA recognises that the consumer has a right to understand the processes that industry and the regulatory bodies go through to ensure the safety and efficacy of cosmetic and toiletry products. Over the years we have steadily increased our focus on providing the public with direct access to the industry's perspective and progress on safety, science and innovation.

In April 2008 we launched our consumer information website, www.thefactsabout.co.uk, which provides scientific facts about common ingredients used in cosmetics and the industry's perspective on common safety questions as well as information on how products are regulated to ensure safety and efficacy.

Further information on the work of the CTPA is available from our main website www.ctpa.org.uk which also houses the full set of legislation under 'Cosmetic regulations'.