SUNSCREEN

Follow these simple sunscreen tips to stay SunWise.

• Use SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside
• Apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin
• Apply one teaspoon of sunscreen for each body part - eg. head, back, each leg, etc
• Re-apply at least every two hours.

What does sunscreen do?

Sunscreen reduces the amount of UV radiation reaching your skin. It does not completely block all UV radiation.

So don't use the fact that you're wearing sunscreen as an excuse for staying out in the sun longer. Sunscreen should be used together with other sun safe practices, such as minimising your time in the sun and wearing protective clothing.

Remember, UV radiation damage is cumulative, so the longer you're out in the sun, the more damage you will do.

How does sunscreen work?

A broad spectrum sunscreen works by screening both UVA and UVB radiation.
There are two ways that sunscreens can do this:

1. By chemically absorbing UV radiation, and therefore preventing it from reaching your skin.

2. By physically blocking or reflecting UV radiation - these sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which scatter the UV radiation away from your skin.

Chemical absorber sunscreens are the most common. These are usually non-greasy and easy to apply. Individual chemicals in these sunscreens absorb UVR at specific wavelengths. Broad spectrum sunscreens contain several chemicals that absorb UVR over the UV spectrum.

Physical blockers like zinc cream, are less likely to cause problems for people with sensitive skin. The reflective properties of compounds such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide make this type of sunscreen highly effective. These sunscreens are often visible on your skin.

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This is a rating that indicates the relative strength of protection the sunscreen will provide against UV radiation. In Australia, sunscreens must achieve a rating of at least SPF 4, up to a maximum of 30+. Anything less than SPF 15 offers only low protection.

This table shows approximate amounts of UV radiation blocked by various SPF rated sunscreens. But remember, the effectiveness of your sunscreen is affected by the evenness of the coverage and the amount of sunscreen applied.

How do I use sunscreen properly?

The best sunscreen to use is SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.

Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin 20 minutes before you go outside. It's a mistake to think applying sunscreen once you're already in the sun will give you the protection you need. If you wait until you're in the sun before you apply, your skin will start burning before the sunscreen has been able to bind to your skin for maximum effectiveness.

As a guide, use one teaspoon of sunscreen for each body part - eg. head, back, each leg, etc.

Re-apply every two hours. If you're swimming, sweating or if the sunscreen might be rubbed off your skin, you may need to re-apply more often. Some sunscreens claim that they will last for up to four hours. However, by this time the sunscreen has usually been rubbed off. So it's best to stick to a routine of re-applying at least every two hours.

Did you know...

Sunscreen has a ‘use by' date.

Sunscreens sold in Australia must meet Australian Standards. So don't assume that a higher priced sunscreen means better quality.

Sunscreen may be damaged by exposure to extreme heat. So it's best to keep your sunscreen at a consistent temperature somewhere below 25 degrees, if you can.

There is increasing evidence that antioxidants, when added to sunscreen, may provide additional UV protection. However, further research is required.

This informaiton has been provided from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and the Australian College of Dermatologists.