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All about sunscreens

Sunscreen should always be used with other forms of skin protection. Sunscreen contains chemicals that either absorb or reflect UV radiation before it damages the skin.
 
SPF 30+ sunscreens filter out about 97 per cent of UV rays. Those labelled BROAD SPECTRUM filter both UVB and UVA radiation. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) label on a sunscreen is only a guide to the strength of the product – not how much time you can safely spend in the sun.
 
Choosing sunscreen  

    use an SPF 30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen
    price and quality don’t necessarily match
    check the ‘Use by’ date – do not use one with an expired date. Store below 25C.
    use a milk, lotion or cream - whichever suits you best.
 
I have sensitive skin – which sunscreen should I choose?

Try a toddler sunscreen, one without fragrance or one that sits on top of the skin (eg zinc).

If your skin is still irritated, make sure you cover up well with a hat and clothing, and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
 
How do I apply sunscreen? 

Always apply sunscreen liberally to clean dry skin 20 minutes before going outside. Use at least a teaspoonful for each arm and leg and ½ teaspoonful for your face, neck and ears.
 
Reapply every two hours, or more regularly if you are perspiring or involved in water activities.
 
You do not need to rub sunscreen into your skin until it disappears. The cream will be absorbed into your skin over the 20 minutes before you go out into the sun.
 
No sunscreen – even if it is reapplied regularly - offers complete protection against UV radiation. A small amount of UV radiation still reaches the skin.
 
What about babies and sunscreen?
 
Use hats, clothing and shade as much as possible, so you only need to put sunscreen on small areas of skin. Use a toddler sunscreen – they are usually gentler and make sure to test sunscreen on a small area of skin before using the product on your child. Read about Sun protection and young children in the Online Library.
 
Sunscreen and Nano Particles
 
Nanotechnology has been used in sunscreens for many years. To date, our assessment, drawing on the best available evidence, is that nanoparticulates used in sunscreens do not pose a risk. However, we continue to monitor research and welcome any new research that sheds more light on this topic.

Sunscreen formulas and their components are regulated through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). In early 2009, the TGA conducted an updated review of the scientific literature in relation to the use of nanoparticulate zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens.

The TGA review concluded that:
  • The potential for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens to cause adverse effects depends primarily upon the ability of the nanoparticles to reach viable skin cells; and
  • To date, the current weight of evidence suggests that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles do not reach viable skin cells; rather, they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer layer of the skin that is composed of non-viable cells.
The TGA's report concerning the safety of sunscreens can be found at: www.tga.health.gov.au/alerts/sunscreens.htm

Cancer Council looks closely at TGA’s advice, as well as our own evidence-based reviews.

Sunscreens also use ‘microfine’ or ‘micronised’ particles, which are larger than nanoparticles:

  • Nanoparticles are smaller than 100 nanometres and invisible to the human eye – a nanometre is 0.000001 millimetre.
  • Microfine particles are smaller than those used in conventional white zinc sunscreens, however are larger than nanoparticles – usually in the range of 100 to 2500 nanometres.
Cancer Council sunscreens contain microfine particles, but do not contain nanoparticles.

Sunscreen has been proven to reduce the risk of skin cancer, in particular non-melanoma skin cancer. Skin cancer claims more than 1700 lives each year and we urge Australians to protect themselves using a combination of measures:

  • Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible
  • Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
  • Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears
  • Seek shade
  • Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards
 
Find out more
 
Go to our Online library - Sun and skin section
Use of SPF 30+ sunscreens position statement from Cancer Council Australia    



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