Planning a tropical break — Bali, Phuket, Danang, the Maldives? Before you pack the swimwear, it's worth getting your sun protection right, because tropical UV stays high all year and the usual assumptions don't hold up.

First myth to drop: UV isn't just a hot-weather problem. According to Dr Rachel Ho, an aesthetic doctor and medical director of The Skin Longevity Clinic, UV exposure happens even on overcast days and in cooler weather. Sand and water reflect UV rays, and some UV penetrates the water's surface — so swimming and snorkelling don't give your skin a break. And since tropical holidays mean sleeveless tops, shorts and long outdoor lunches, sun protection matters well beyond the beach itself.

The label maths is simpler than it looks. SPF measures protection against UVB, the rays behind sunburn that also contribute to skin cancer. Properly applied, SPF 30 filters roughly 97 per cent of UVB and SPF 50 around 98 per cent — so SPF 30 is fine for most situations, with higher SPF making sense for prolonged, intense exposure. UVA is the other half of the story: those rays penetrate deeper, driving pigmentation, premature ageing and skin cancer. Look for "broad spectrum" to cover both, and note the PA+ system on Japanese and Korean formulas — more plus signs, up to PA++++, means stronger UVA protection.

Application is where most people slip up. Dr Ho estimates most of us use far less than recommended; her benchmark is about two tablespoons for the whole body, covering easily forgotten spots like lips, ears, neck and feet. Reapply every two to three hours outdoors, and more often around water. Water-resistant is not waterproof — reapply after you towel off.

Mineral or chemical? Don't overthink it. Mineral formulas (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) can be thicker or leave a white cast; chemical ones feel lighter and more invisible. The best sunscreen, Dr Ho says, is simply the one you'll actually keep applying. And since no sunscreen is fail-proof, layer in shade, umbrellas, UPF clothing and SPF lip balm where you can.

If you're upgrading your beach bag, there's a formula for every style of trip. Noble Panacea's The Energist Multi-Defense Cream SPF 50 ($535) is the splurge: 100 per cent mineral, packaged in 60 individually sealed doses that are perfect for travel, with UV-triggered release of anti-ageing actives. Sulwhasoo's UV Daily Tone Up SPF50+/PA++++ ($110) doubles as a brightening makeup base for city days and long lunches. Crystal Tomato's Beyond Sun Protection ($89) is an SPF79+ hybrid that also filters blue light and pollution — handy when your day swings between sightseeing, malls and air conditioning. Augustinus Bader's The Sunscreen SPF 50 ($205) adds hydration and antioxidants for skin battered by sun, flights and hotel AC, while ést.lab's SunShield Aqua SPF 50 ($89) offers a lightweight tinted option in a refillable pump.

Whichever you pick, the rule is the same: apply generously, reapply often, and don't let a cloudy morning fool you.

Reported by SilverKris.