Despite the risk of dangerous levels of skin damage a fifth of people admit to not using sunscreen at all, according to a recent report by Superdrug and Cancer Research UK.

The survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK reveals we're a nation of slapdash slatherers who don’t put on enough sunscreen or reapply often enough.

With protection being an essential rather than a choice, often the key is finding the right SPF and formulation to suit your sun-seeking habits.

“Our job is to put the best products into the suncare bottle but ultimately people will only get the SPF benefits if they use it in the best possible way,” says Mike Brown, senior suncare adviser for Boots.

“The biggest factor on how well people are protected is the way the product is used – and that’s down to choice and lifestyle.”

Mike offers his sun essential advice to ensure you’re a sensible bronzed goddess rather than frazzled in the first aid queue this summer, whatever your relationship with the summer sun.

MAKE YOR TAN PLAN

SHADY LADY

Winter is your favourite time of year and you avoid the sun wherever possible.

SPF ADVICE: “The best starting point is a daily skincare product with SPF,” Mike says. “For accidental exposure, SPF15 is probably going to be enough. Don’t forget your hands, the two things that really age you are your face and hands,” Mike warns.

BINGE TANNER

You’re cooped up in an office 24/7 but live for your annual holiday once a year when movement from the sun lounger is minimal.

SPF ADVICE: “This type is our biggest challenge,” Mike admits. “They want the best tan with the lowest factor which is contrary to protection advice. Using a suncream will slow down the rate at which you get a tan, but the length of time it lasts is proportional to the time it takes to get. Achieve a golden brown that lasts by starting off with a higher factor, like SPF25.”

SUN ADDICT

You whip out the bikini at the slightest hint of sunshine and bask in the rays at every available opportunity.

SPF ADVICE: “It’s amazing how little sunlight you need to tan your skin – just half an hour in UK summer sun and you can burn, so if you’re out in it all day you need to be aware of regular top-ups,” Mike advises. “Here, SPF25 is the kind of level of protection people need. Reapplication is essential because the product itself is affected by the sun and starts to break down, and can also rub and wear off.

SPORADIC SUN-SEEKER

You adore the sun but only grab a speedy sunshine session in your lunchbreak for an hour during the peak midday sun.

SPF ADVICE: “For this kind of tanner, convenience is key so look for a product you can apply very quickly like an invisible spray or fine mist,” Mike suggests.

“An invisible spray is particularly good if you have make-up on. An SPF40 might sound extreme for an hour, but then you don’t have to worry if you’re giving your face a light spritz.”

SUN CONSTANT

You work outdoors in the sun for up to eight hours a day and want to keep your sun protection on the back burner while you’re busy.

SPF ADVICE: “If you’re out in the sun all the time you need a really, really high factor,” says Mike. “Because there’s so much exposure involved, get right up into the high factors and choose extended wear products.

SUN NAIVE

You’re sun-sensitive and burn after seemingly a couple of seconds in the sun or have children who require protection.

SPF ADVICE: “There are some people whose skin just will not tan and they fall into the same category as children,” Mike explains. “People who are that pale-skinned desperately want some colour, but they’re not going to tan and end up burning. You’re better off with the highest protection you can get your hands on and using a fake tan or tint for colour.

“With children, it’s the same theory, the bigger the number, the better. The sun-naïve can save themselves from an awful lot of exposure to damaging ultraviolet light by avoiding the peak sun between 11am and 3pm.”