Sun protection tips

Going on holiday? Just like sun cream, we’ve got your back. So you won’t get burnt by unwanted roaming costs – or the sun.

Keep your skin safe in the sun with SPF

Unlike other major networks, we don’t charge extra for EU roaming, up to 25GB. So, when you’re travelling in our Europe Zone, your data, minutes and text allowances will work just like they do at home. That’s not just for summer. It’s all year round.

Discover practical advice for staying protected in the sun this summer from our partners: Green People and British Skin Foundation.

Pioneering organic skincare brand Green People share their five top tips:

Sun cream bottle on sand with beach background

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF ratings on your sun cream tube refer to the ratio of how long it takes skin to burn with sun cream on versus how long it takes unprotected skin to burn.

numbers of SPF written in sun cream on a woman's shoulder

What SPF should I use?

The higher the SPF you use, the more protected you are against skin-burning UVB rays. SPF15 gives medium protection and shields against 93% of UVB rays, while SPF30 offers high protection and shields against 97% of UVB rays.

When spending a lot of time outdoors, it's recommended that you use a high-factor SPF30 avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun’s harmful rays are strongest.

How often should you apply sun cream?

You should always keep your sun protection topped up. Reapply it every two to three hours and always after swimming. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to help keep rays off your head and shoulders.

clock on sand surrounded by beach bag, towel, flip flops and sea shells

How long does sun cream last?

In general, unopened SPF products have a shelf life of 30 months from the date they’re made. Once opened, SPF can lose some of its effectiveness over time. For this reason, you should replace your sun cream every six months, especially if it’s been left lying in the sun or stored in particularly warm conditions.