What you should know when buying sunscreen

Your bottle’s SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well it protects the skin from sunburn. Cancer Council Australia recommends you opt for an SPF 30+, and to re-apply every two hours (regardless of what your bottle says, as that number will be tested under lab – not life – conditions). It’s wise to adhere to their decision as you can burn in as little as 15 minutes (!) during the hot Australian summer.

The SPF is probably the first thing you look at when you buy a bottle, but what else should you be looking for?

Buying a water-resistant sunscreen means you’re better protected when swimming, exercising or sweating. The word ‘resistant’ is important to note here – it’s not saying ‘waterproof’, so these sunscreens will also need to be re-applied every two hours in order to stay effective.

This term may sound particularly vague, but it just means that the sunscreen in question is protecting you from both UVA and UVB rays. “Sunscreens exist to reduce UV-related skin damage,” says dermatologist Dr Adam Sheridan.

“UVB and UVA both contribute to skin ageing and skin cancer, including melanoma. ‘Broad spectrum’ means both UVA and UVB are blocked, and both are important,” he adds.

Otherwise known as ‘absorbers’ and ‘reflectors’. Heather Walker, Chair of Cancer Council Australia’s National Skin Cancer Committee, explains that these terms describe the way the sunscreen is working to protect your skin. “It can be something you might want to consider,” she says.

“Absorbers (chemical) and reflectors (physical) just refer to what’s happening to the UV rays. The ‘absorbers’ absorb the UV, and the ‘reflectors’ reflect it."

If you find a formula that you like, it doesn’t really matter how it’s protecting you, she says.

“My advice is to try a lot of different formulas and find one you like, because you’ll be more likely to wear it.”

There’s no conundrum here, just choose the one you like applying – and apply it liberally. As long as you’re able to deliver at least a teaspoon for every limb, and cover the skin thoroughly, then the choice of application is yours.

Having said that, it can be easier to apply the right amount with a cream, as opposed to an aerosol spray.

This may seem fickle, but your chosen sunscreen’s accompanying factors – its smell, consistency, the way it sits on your skin – are all factors that will influence your readiness to apply your sunscreen in the first place.

Vitamin factor

Studies have shown that using sunscreen doesn’t stop you from topping up on vitamin D – so don’t hesitate to apply it.

“In terms of vitamin D,” explains Heather, “You really don’t need very long outside to get your levels up. And the body doesn’t store vitamin D – it just breaks down any excess – so overexposing yourself to UV will just increase your risk of skin cancer, without actually helping your vitamin D status.

“Our advice in general is to speak to your GP about whether supplementation is appropriate if you are deficient in vitamin D.”

Are you in date?

If, as the weather gets warmer, you’re taking a fresh look at your sunscreen stash, then it’s worth checking that it’s in date, says Heather. “That can catch you out if you’ve had a big bottle of sunscreen in the cupboard for a while.

“They can go out of date, and that reduces their effectiveness. Plus, if they’re stored in a place that’s too warm, then over time they can separate, so check that it’s the right consistency, that it looks how it should look and that it’s in date.”

And when it comes to wearing it?

“The way to find out whether you need sun protection is to check the UV.” If it’s at three or above, you’ll need to be wearing sunscreen.

“It’s a common misconception that the heat from the sun causes sunburn, and that this causes cancer, because you can often feel the heat from the sun and you can’t feel or see UV,” she explains.

You can do this by checking the UV index at the Bureau of Meteorology, or you can download the free SunSmart app that not only shows you the index, but also indicates the times during the day you’ll need to be wearing protection.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances