What you need to know about why it's important to keep wearing sunscreen | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

There is a very real risk of more Australians getting sunburnt and contracting deadly skin cancer this summer.

Here’s why…

Revelations this year demonstrated many sunscreens on Australian shelves may not actually provide the SPF protection they claim, leading to public concern about the safety and efficacy of sunscreen available on our shelves. 

This comes on top of existing concerns regarding the safety of certain ingredients commonly used in sunscreen.

Here's some advice on how to make sure you're still staying protected from the sun this summer. 

SPF Accuracy and Recalls

Sunscreens are sold as therapeutic goods in Australia, which means they are subject to the same scrutiny as medicines and are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.  

Consumer rights organisation Choice released an article back in June which found many sunscreens did not live up to their claimed SPF.  

The Therapeutic Goods Administration responded to the findings and, as a result, some products were withdrawn from Australian shelves.  

It was also revealed that one manufacturer had a history of breaches of standards and some of the laboratory testing that establishes the SPF of sunscreen products was called into question. 

Despite these developments, most sunscreen products on our shelves are effective.  

If you are worried about the SPF of your sunscreen, you can check the TGA list of recalled products.

Importantly, if you have a favourite sunscreen that has worked for you before and it is not on either of these lists, then stick with your tried-and-trusted products.  

Remember that SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UV radiation but SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97.6 percent, which is still very good protection.

Misleading Sunscreen Labels

More recently, there have been concerns raised regarding the labelling of sunscreens.

Many sunscreens are marketed as “mineral” which implies they are free from chemicals.  

However, a study from UNSW published this month found some sunscreens marketed as “mineral” contain UV-absorbing chemical sunscreens as well, often without listing the chemicals as active ingredients.  

Sunscreens are broadly divided into chemical (also known as absorbers) and mineral (blockers).  

Chemical sunscreens contain small molecules that work by absorbing UV radiation and convert it into harmless heat.  

Mineral sunscreens contain zinc or titanium that reflects the UV radiation away from your skin.  

Both types of sunscreen can provide excellent protection and both have been used for many years.

“Cosmetic” versus “Therapeutic” Sunscreen

Some products that contain sunscreen are not sold as primary sunscreen. For example, many moisturisers and even fake-tan products contain sunscreen.

However, these cosmetic sunscreens are regulated under consumer-goods laws and therefore NOT subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as primary sunscreen lotions.  

It is okay to use your favourite SPF+ moisturiser for general purposes but if you know you are heading out into the sun and relying on a high-level SPF, it is best to use a dedicated sunscreen.  

Concerns about Vit D

Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common in Australia, particularly in at-risk populations and in southern states during winter.

A recent study from the Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer linked daily sunscreen use to higher levels of vit D deficiency.  

However, in Queensland vitamin D deficiency is uncommon and generally only affects at-risk groups such as people who rarely go out in the sun – for example residents in aged-care facilities, or those who have naturally very dark skin.

In fact, most Queenslanders maintain adequate vitamin D just with incidental sun exposure, such as walking to the mailbox or hanging out the washing.

If you are concerned about your own vitamin D level, your GP can organise a simple blood test. 

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world

Unfortunately, two in three Australians will get at least one skin cancer in their lifetime.

Queenslanders have an even higher risk of skin cancer, almost double the other states combined.

Estimates are that 4,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with melanoma and roughly 350,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are treated each year.

Nearly half of all Queensland adults and children get sunburnt at least once every year.

Up to one in five report being sunburnt the last time they were out in the sun during summer.  

Only one in five adults use sun protections when outside and not enough sunscreen is applied even when it is used.  

Sunscreen Prevents Skin cancer

So, what are you supposed to do when going out to enjoy our sun-loving lifestyle this summer?

Well, there are lots of ways you can protect yourself from skin cancer:

1. Have an UV App on your phone. You cannot feel or see UV radiation but you can add a widget to your home screen. If the UV index is more than three, you need protection.  
2. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. Schedule your outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon.  
3. If you must go out in the middle of the day, wear a long-sleeve shirt and a hat. And remember your sunnies – the sun damages your eyes as well as your skin. And you look cooler too!
4. And use sunscreen on your exposed skin. Especially your face, hands and forearms. Research done over many years has proven than regular sunscreen use reduces your risk of skin cancer and advice from experts remains that sunscreen is an essential part of protecting yourself from the sun.   

Fun Fact: Did you know the first study done anywhere in the world that proved daily sunscreen use reduces skin cancer was done right here on the Sunshine Coast!

Associate Professor Andrew Dettrick is a medical doctor and a skin cancer researcher at UniSC.