Today is Sunscreen Day: Facts, figures and our faves

I know what you're thinking, "don't be banging on to me about bleedin' sunscreen; we hardly get a glimpse of sun as it is", etc., etc. But that doesn't detract from the fact that we here in Ireland have a surprisingly high rate of skin cancer.

Presumably, it's the combination of our fair skin and our propensity not to wear sun screen for the aforementioned reason ("sure how else am I mean to prevent rickets in this Godforsaken country?!") and straddle it wholeheartedly whenever it does make an appearance.

Sunscreen dates back to ancient Egyptian times: "They used a combination of rice bran, jasmine, and lupine in their sun lotions - and some of these ingredients are still used in sunscreens today." In case you were wondering.

As the sun tries to make an appearance today, bear in mind that it can still affect your skin through clouds. My sister is currently being systematically treated for skin cancer on her face and has only ever lived in Ireland, so it does happen. And don't forget to remind the men in your life!

The sunscreens that we rate the highest are:

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios

• Clinique City Block

• Clarins UV Plus Day Cream

• Dermalogica Pure Light

And now for an old favourite. It doesn't just impart sage advice about sunscreen...