A collection of lesser-known facts about sunscreen and protection:

An abbreviation of ‘sun protection factor’, this number actually denotes the amount of time your skin will be protected from the sun.

Depending on skin type and sensitivity, if you’re able to stay in the sun for 10 minutes without burning, then most commonly, wearing SPF50 indicates that your skin will be protected for 50 times longer.

SPF 50 provides 98 per cent protection from rays, while SPF 30 offers 95 per cent.

Sun creams are typically categorised by mineral and chemical. These two types of filters work in different ways to shield the skin from UV rays.

Chemical filters absorb the rays - think of these filters as little sponges that collect the rays, stopping them from entering your skin and damaging it. Mineral filters, often referred to as ‘physical filters’, deflect the rays.

Think of them as a bat, hitting them away before they can enter the skin.

Chemical sun filters, such as the commonly used oxybenzone and octinoxate, are absorbed by the skin. This means that many chemical sunscreens deliver an impressive user experience, leaving no chalky texture or white cast behind.

However, they can be irritating for especially sensitive skin. Mineral filters, such as zinc and titanium oxides, remain on the surface of the skin and are generally better tolerated by sensitive types.

So, putting your skin’s protection first before a glowing tan is paramount to its health and longevity.

La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream (£14.40, boots.com) is ideal for the high levels of protection your skin will need over the next few days of heat expected in the UK.

After the application of the adequate protective creams, you’ll be able to start applying tanning oils, self-tan lotions, and bronzers with no issues.

Germaine de Capuccini’s new range, Timexpert Sun, is the perfect oil and tanning solution for glowing skin.

Apply the Timexpert Sun Beautiful Tan Self Tanner (£51.70, germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk) a few days before your trip to the beach for an all-over pre-glow.

Down on the beach, apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 and above and lather the skin in the Timexpert Sun – Sun Idyllic Tan Subliming Oil (£56.20, germaine-de-capuccini.co.uk) et voila! You’re on your way to a sublime, natural-looking tan.

For the best sunscreen for the whole family, opt for Ultrasun’s Super Sensitive High SPF30 Family Formula (£40.50, www.lookfantastic.com)

It’s suitable for children and adults, free from synthetic fragrances, and resists water, plus it’s in a gargantuan 400ml bottle and will last the duration of a week’s holiday under the sun.

For those of us who battle with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema, DR. SAM'S has you covered. Sample their Flawless Body Mineral UV (£33, drsambunting.com)

Dr. Sam Bunting has formulated her body sun cream with wholly mineral filters, meaning even the most querulous skin should love it. It's thick and does require some rubbing in, but the comfort and protection it offers are worth the effort.

Clinique is an established player in the skincare market and its Moisture SurgeTM range is one of the most popular in the UK. In a move directed at many of us who take sun protection seriously, Clinique has launched an innovative new potion, Moisture SurgeTM SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator (£40, 125ml, clinique.co.uk) formulated to hydrate the skin and defend against harmful UV rays.

The new formulation also incorporates Aloe Vera Bio Ferment (AVBF) + Hyaluronic Acid Complex, a powerhouse combination that allows the skin to hold moisture. At an SPF of 25, it’s set to make waves across the market this summer.

Moisture SurgeTM SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator is also available in most Clinique counters at airports via Duty Free.

For the lighter, less arduous task of protecting the skin, spritz on Vichy’s Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Tan Enhance SPF50 (£14.25, lookfantastic.com)

Despite the lightweight texture, this sunscreen spray offers total SPF50 protection.

Lastly, for those looking for an effective mineral SPF without the white cast over your complexion, sample Summer Fridays’ ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen (£35.00, spacenk.com.uk)

The silky sunscreen is created with chemical-free UV shields, leaves skin balanced, not oily, and layers perfectly beneath make-up.

Be liberal with the SPF, sparing with the booze on the beach, and generous with the laughs, joy and ice cream this summer.