Which Sunscreen is Best?

Sunscreen is again in the spotlight after CHOICE conducted a study of popular sunscreen brands to see if they were actually SPF 50+ as advertised. 16 of the 20 brands tested failed to meet their SPF claims. So what does this mean for sunscreens? Read on and I’ll delve into the evidence.

Firstly, it’s important to note that no sunscreen is ever 100% effective at blocking all UV radiation. Even SPF 50+ sunscreen allows 2% of UV rays to penetrate your skin.

There are two important types of UV light. UVA is more instrumental in skin aging and UVB is primarily responsible for sunburn and skin cancers. SPF measures how effective sunscreen is at protecting your skin from UVB rays. If it takes five minutes of sun exposure for your skin to start burning, applying an SPF 50 sunscreen protects you for 50 times that amount of time – in this case 250 minutes. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 would protect you – ideally – for 150 minutes.

Sunscreen is a vital sun safety tool. Studies have shown regular sunscreen use, particularly during the formative years, can reduce melanoma risk by 40%. There is also evidence that daily use of sunscreen can prevent most types of skin cancer including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Which sunscreen is the best?

We advise using the highest possible SPF sunscreen (currently SPF50+ in Australia) with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The sunscreen you use is a personal choice. The best one for you is the one that feels good for you and that you enjoy using every day.

What are the different types of sunscreens?

Some sunscreens absorb the UV radiation – typically those using cinnamates, dibenzoylmethanes (salicylates) and benzophenones. Others deflect the radiation – these are known as physical sunscreens and use natural, mineral filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Most sunscreens will contain a mixture of both. Spray sunscreen isn’t as effective as lotions and creams.

When should you apply sunscreen?

If you live in Australia and New Zealand, apply sunscreen on all days when the UV index is forecast to be 3 or higher, irrespective of what activities you anticipate doing. There are apps for this!

How much sunscreen should I apply?

Most Australians don’t apply enough sunscreen. Apply at least 1 teaspoon of sunscreen to each body part (face and neck, each arm, each leg, front of body, back etc). Don’t forget ears, hands and feet, and the back of the neck). Re-apply every 2 hours or more frequently if you’ve been swimming or exercising and sweating.

Are sunscreens safe?

Australia has strict regulations covering sunscreens, so everyone can rest assured sunscreens sold in Australia are safe to use. They are all regulated through the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

What about nanoparticles in sunscreen?

Current research shows the potential for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen do not pose a risk and remain on the surface of the skin that is composed of non-viable cells.

How common are allergies to sunscreen?

Allergies to sunscreen are uncommon, usually it is more an irritation that an allergy. We recommend people opt for a sunscreen for sensitive skin. Often the mineral sunscreens are less irritating.

At what age should you start using sunscreen?

As very young babies (less than six months of age) absorb more of any chemical applied to the skin than adults, the widespread regular use of chemical sunscreens is not recommended. We advise keeping them in the shade until 6 months of age.

What about sunscreen use and Vitamin D levels?

UVB from the sun is a key factor for Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. In Australia, incidental sun exposure, particularly in the summer months, is thought to be enough to support adequate vitamin D synthesis. Do not deliberately expose yourself to the sun for the purposes of Vitamin D supplementation. Dietary sources and supplementation can also provide Vitamin D to the body.