A new survey has found that many Irish people have a poor understanding of what to look for in a sunscreen.

According to the findings from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), 62% of people do not always check the label of their sunscreen to see if they protect against the two harmful rays from the sun - UVA and UVB.

UV refers to ultraviolet radiation.

Consumers should be applying a sunscreen with UVA protection and an appropriate SPF (sun protection factor), which protects against UVB. However, 30% of those surveyed admitted that they do not understand the term UVA, while 27% do not understand the term SPF.

Just 25% of people knew what the term ‘broad spectrum' meant. This indicates that a product provides protection against UVA and UVB rays.

"Consumers need to be aware of the skin protection benefits of applying a sunscreen with UVA and an appropriate SPF protection. We would urge people to check the labelling of sunscreens as both UVA and UVB rays can cause extensive skin damage. It is particularly important that parents select a product that has UVA and a high SPF for children and that it is applied frequently to ensure sufficient sun protection," explained HPRA cosmetics manager, Darren Scully.

Sunscreen provides important protection against sun exposure, which is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Mr Scully warned that products that are not used correctly or are used beyond their safe period after opening can have a reduced effect.

The survey found that just 41% of people understand the open jar symbol on cosmetic products, including sunscreen. This symbol denotes the safe period of time that the product can be used after opening.

Some 34% said that they would use sunscreen beyond the safe period after opening and 22% admitted that they did not even know there was such a symbol.

The HPRA recommends that people wear suitable clothes, including hats, to protect themselves in the sun. They should also choose a sunscreen with UVA protection and an appropriate SPF. This should be applied correctly, i.e. 20 minutes before going into the sun, and reapplied regularly, especially if swimming or perspiring.

‘'How much is the right amount of sun cream to use can be difficult to know. For an average adult, use six teaspoons of sun cream to cover your body. This is equivalent to six good squirts into your hand," Mr Scully said.

For more information on sunscreen, including how much to use, click here