Don't be fooled by the recent cold snap; the sun will rear it's oh so dazzling face very soon. But after months of grey skies, our skin may be in for a frying.

So to make sure you're still sparkling for years to come, it's important you cover up properly from those evil UV rays. Ok, ok, so you've heard it all before - slap on the high-factor sun cream and pop on an unflattering sun hat when you hit the beach - but, there's a way sun protection doesn't have to be so boring.

For a lotion that will really make you shine, try Estee Lauder's Care Sun Body Shimmer Sunscreen SPF15 at £18. It may be a bit pricey, but it will make you look fabulous in your bikini.

For tan-tastic two-in-one results, try Superdrug's Sunshine Defence Lotion With Self Tan at a very reasonable £6.99. Not only will it protect you from the harmful effects of the sun's rays, it will also give you a stunning all over glow.

For the lazy amongst you, avoid repeated reapplication by opting for a long lasting sun cream. For all day protection with one application, try Ultrasun High Protection Sports Formula SPF20 at £12.95.

However, all is not lost. There is some good news for sun worshippers. Apparently, a sensible amount of sun - 20 minutes a day - is good for you, as it produces vitamin D. This magic vitamin helps keep bones strong, releases happy hormones and is even said to boost your libido. Hurrah!

Still confused by talk of damaging UVA and UVB rays, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl, p-Methoxycinnamate? So are we, so we asked Sally Penford of The International Dermal Institute to explain all.

What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens?
Physical sunscreens include Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which are minerals extracted from the earth. They literally provide a reflective barrier from the sun, stopping the UV from penetrating the skin.

A chemical sunscreen absorbs the UV and scatters its energy as heat. Common chemical sunscreens include Avobenzone and Oxybenzone.

You need a combination of chemical sunscreens to ensure that all parts of the UV spectrum – both UVA and UVB are filtered.

Why would you choose one against the other?
If you don’t want to aggravate sensitive skin with heat, don’t apply a chemical sunscreen. “This isn’t to say that the chemical sunscreens are bad, it just means that they aren’t preferable if you have sensitive skin,” says Sally.

Historically, physical sunscreens tended to be really chalky – think Australian cricketer or surfer; white stripes under their eyes and along their lips. However, recent technologies mean that these physical ingredients are no longer chalky on the skin. The ingredient is now micronised and so refined that it is completely invisible on the skin.

Similarly cosmetic formulators now understand the benefit of including anti-oxidants to these sun protecting lotions too. By adding anti-oxidant vitamins to the formula, you can help prevent pigmentation marks, lines and wrinkles, damage accumulated on a daily basis.

What does SPF mean and how is this reflected in sunscreen ingredients?
Your Sun Protection Factor refers only to the amount of time you are allowed to stay in the sun before burning (the affect of UVB). There is no universally recognized UVA system of recognition, so you need to look for sunscreen that provides protection from both. The average consumer thinks that the higher their SPF protection, the longer they can stay in the sun.

An SPF of 15 and higher is considered a complete sun block. An SPF 15 gives you 93.3% protection of UVB rays while an SPF 30 gives you 96.6% protection. So by going for a higher SPF, you are simply adding more chemical to your skin with little additional protection.

With another scorching summer around the corner, we suggest that you bond with the ingredients label on the back of the trillions of sunscreen products out there. Remember to reapply your sunscreen regularly and try using an SPF product daily to help protect from accumulated sun damage. And if you are a sensitive thing, reach for the titanium, or a T-shirt for the best protection.

Sun Facts

Skin cancer affects around 50,000 Britons every year and kills more than 2 per cent of them.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun produces vitamin D; good for bones, muscles and the immune system.

The Sun is 1 million km wide and is a ball of burning gas.

Expose yourself gradually to the sun until you establish a good base tan.

Inspect moles and freckles monthly, noting any changes. If you notice any, inform your GP.

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