As the holiday season gets under way, how to choose the right sun cream for you? The SPF rating protects against UVB rays, which cause burning. Stars on the packaging indicate protection against UVA rays, which cause premature ageing. Both types of rays can increase the risk of skin cancer. Dr Sandeep Cliff, a consultant dermatologist at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Trust, gives his medical opinion on protection levels of the bestselling sunscreens from six leading stores, while Harriet Addison puts them to the test.

Space NK: Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Sea and Tropics Tanning Body Lotion, £39

Available in three strengths, depending on the climate, this lotion claims to use self-tanning UV incellium technology to filter out the sun's rays while still allowing you to get a tan. However, as it does not explain the SPF or UVA rating, its reliability for sun protection is not guaranteed.

Verdict 2/5

Superdrug: Solait Spray, SPF 15, £7.97 for two bottles

This product has an easy-to-use spray dispenser and a clean, fresh smell. A recent Which? survey testing sun cream protection levels revealed that while claiming to have an SPF15 (minimum recommended SPF) rating, it actually gives an SPF protection of 27.4. While you're not getting what is advertised, extra protection can only be a good thing. Verdict 4/5

John Lewis: Ultrasun Very High All Day Protection 28, £16.95

The high once-daily UVB and UVA protection will protect from both sunburn and skin damage. The bottle has a pump top - handy for keeping the sand out when it falls off the deckchair on to the beach. It's fragrance free for sensitive skin, but its “natural” smell won't appeal to everybody.

Verdict 3/5

Boots: Soltan Once spray, SPF30, £12.99

Dermatologically speaking, this is a great product, with both UVB and UVA protection. If the once-daily application (which allows for 40 minutes of water exposure) lives up to its promise, it will reduce the risk of skin damage by preventing your sunscreen wearing off as you dip in and out of the pool.

Verdict 5/5

Harvey Nichols: Korres Sunscreen Face Cream, SPF 30, £16

This sunscreen is greasy, does not absorb easily and has an overly sweet, artificial smell. Some perfume may irritate certain skins, particularly in the sun. With an SPF30 rating, it does provide good protection, but it needs to be reapplied regularly, and lacks detail on its UVA star rating.

Verdict 1/5

Selfridges: 3LAB Perfect Lite Sunblock, SPF30, £30

This product uses titanium dioxide, an effective sun block. It is also free of fragrance and PABA [para-aminobenzoic acid], which is good for people with skin problems. But it doesn't say anything about protection from UVA, which can cause wrinkles and early ageing. And it also smells like old boots.

Verdict 2/5

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