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Sun protection and sunburn

Prepared by the LekCheck team · Last reviewed: 2026-07-25 · How we create our content

Sunscreen protects the skin from burning, premature ageing and more serious damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The right choice depends on your skin type, the situation and age. Below we explain what the labels on the pack mean and how to relieve skin that is already burnt; choose a category or ingredient to see available products and prices.

This guide was prepared by the LekCheck team and has not been reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any treatment without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.

How to choose a sunscreen

Choose a broad-spectrum product (protection against both UVA and UVB) and an SPF suited to your skin and the situation — for strong sun and fair skin a higher SPF (30–50+) is usually recommended. SPF mainly indicates protection against UVB; the UVA symbol in a circle shows the product also protects against UVA. For the beach and sport, choose a water-resistant product.

Applying it correctly

Most people apply too little. Apply generously about 20–30 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours, as well as after swimming, sweating or towelling off. No product blocks 100% of the rays — combine it with shade, a hat, clothing and sunglasses, especially between 11am and 4pm.

Sunburn — how to relieve it

For mild burns, cooling (a cool shower or compress), generous moisturising and drinking fluids help. Soothing products with dexpanthenol or aloe vera can ease redness and tightness. Avoid heavy oil-based products on a fresh burn and do not pop blisters. For pain, a painkiller may be considered after consulting a pharmacist.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for extensive burns, multiple blisters, severe pain, fever, nausea or confusion (possible sun/heat stroke), as well as for burns in babies and small children. Also watch for changes in moles or spots on the skin — if in doubt, consult a dermatologist.

Commonly used active ingredients

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Related categories

Products with current prices

Lowest prices from online pharmacies in this guide's categories — cheapest first.

Frequently asked questions

What SPF should I choose?

For everyday use in moderate sun, SPF 30 is often enough, while for strong sun, fair skin, the mountains or the beach, SPF 50 or 50+ is usually recommended. More important than the exact number is applying enough and reapplying regularly. For children, pregnancy or sensitive skin, choose a product labelled as suitable for that purpose.

How often should I reapply?

Usually every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming, heavy sweating or towelling off. Even water-resistant products lose some protection in water, so reapplying matters for real protection through the day.

Does a higher SPF mean much stronger protection?

The difference in UVB rays blocked between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is relatively small, and no product stops all rays. A higher SPF gives some margin but does not replace applying enough, reapplying and other measures (shade, hat, clothing). Choose broad spectrum and use it correctly.

How do I soothe skin that is already burnt?

Cool the skin with a cool (not icy) shower or compress, moisturise generously and drink enough fluids. Products with dexpanthenol or aloe vera can help. Avoid rubbing, heavy oil-based products on a fresh burn and popping blisters. For severe pain or an extensive burn, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Can babies wear sunscreen?

Babies under 6 months are usually kept out of direct sun entirely (shade, clothing, a hat) rather than using cream, unless a paediatrician advises otherwise. For older children, choose a product labelled as suitable for children's skin, with a high SPF and broad spectrum, and reapply often.

Sources and official information