How to be sunwise in summer

Although the experts say we still need educating about sun protection, sales of suncreams with a sunprotection factor of 15 (the minimum recommended) are increasing, according to specialists. A stronger cream than SPF 15 is often required, although Boots suncare scientific adviser Mike Brown says: "Black skin has a natural protection of about SPF 8, which will prevent burning when in the UK, however in stronger sun an SPF 15 should be used."

Anti-Ageing Sun Cream with Alpha Flavon (for face) SPF 15, £7.99 and SPF 30, £8.99, is the latest product from Nivea to protect skin from excessive free-radical activity caused by UV radiation. (Free radicals are molecules which damage skin cells.) Alpha Flavon is derived from plant leaves and its light consistency means it can be slapped on under make-up. Available from Boots. For other stockists and Nivea sun-care advice call 0800 616

Boots No 7 Summer Skin Oil-Free Tan Enhancing Sun Spray SPF 15, £12.50 and 25, £13.50, contains vitamin C, mulberry extract and ginseng to protect against premature ageing. When combined, the three are effective antioxidants which neutralise free radicals. It also contains a touch of selftan to give you a hint of colour so you don't arrive at the beach looking totally bleached out. In the children's range, Boots' Soltan has four new products with even higher protection, including Soltan Orange Trigger Spray, £10.99, which now starts at SPF 30 (it was 25); the range goes up to factor 60.

Based in Monaco and proud of it, Lancaster brands itself as the thoroughbred of suntan lotions. New for this year is RPF (Radical Protection Factor), which neutralises free radicals in the skin. It is incorporated in five new products for summer, including Pre-Sun Booster, £18, with Bio-Melanin (made from plant extracts which act as melanin, the skin's own protective system) and a tanning complex to help prepare skin for the sun. Available from Selfridges. For other stockists call 0800 376 0688.

Ambre Solaire's Sun Protection Milk, SPF 15, £9.99, is its best-selling protection product - it has a new formula this year to make it absorbed more easily into the skin. Spray SPF 30, £12.99, new for this summer, is a light fluid that leaves no stickiness. Sprays give a lighter coverage than lotion but, apart from that, it's just a question of preference. Also new for summer is Ambre Solaire Kids Coloured Milk SPF 40, £13.99. They'll love its fruity fragrance and Incredible Hulk green so you can see where you've missed a bit. Available from Boots.

One of Shiseido's best sellers is its easy-grip Refreshing Protective Spray SPF 12, £15.50, which works upside down - perfect for those face-down-on-the-sun lounger moments. It claims to prevent sand from sticking to the skin because the oil dries without leaving a residue. Ingredients include EPC-K (vitamins C and E), white lily extract to help repair cell damage and macadamia nut oil to moisturise skin. From Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nichols; for stockists call 020 7630 1515.

If you are hiking at a high altitude pack Piz Buin's Mountain Range, including SPF 15 and SPF 25 Combi Packs, £6.99 each, which contain a suncream (thicker than oil or milk, which gives a better coverage when exposed to the elements) and a lip protector. Available from Snow and Rock. For other stockists call 01628 822 222.

Tanita UV-Smart is a little gadget (10cm x 5cm) for measuring UVA and UVB rays individually to give you an idea of what level of sun protection you need, £24.99. Available from Harrods, or for stockists call 0800 731 6994.

Tanita UV-Smart is a little gadget (10cm x 5cm) for measuring UVA and UVB rays individually to give you an idea of what level of sun protection you need, £24.99. Available from Harrods, or for stockists call 0800 731 6994.