How to choose the best sunscreen for Australian sun

In Australia, using sunscreen is not optional as in many other parts of the world. In this article, you will discover the reason that you should be using sunscreen every time you step outside, plus tips on how to choose the best for Australian sun.

Why sunscreen is important in Australia

Because of its geographical location, Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation from the sun. As a result of this, Australians have some of the highest rates of skin cancer when compared globally. The Cancer Council, Queensland estimates that two out of every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.

One way to avoid this is by regular use of sunscreen. It provides protection from the harmful effects of the sun, from sunburn relief to protection from skin cancer. But not all are equally effective. You should avoid relying on them unless they are recommended by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which approves only the best sunscreens for Australian sun.

What is the Australian standard?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provides strict regulation of sunscreens. The Australian Regulatory Guidelines for Sunscreens (ARGS) (PDF) are comprehensive guidelines on sunscreen standards and regulations.

The guidelines offer instruction on choosing products that can be considered effective in the Australian climate. These include the required sun protection factor (SPF), broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance.

What key ingredients to look for?

Before you check the ingredients, you should know that there are two distinct types of sunscreen available. Namely physical and chemical.

How it works:

Physical sunscreen creates a physical barrier that deflects harmful UV rays; chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and converts UV radiation into heat, which is then released from the body naturally.

Key ingredients to look for:

In physical sunscreen – Zinc dioxide, titanium dioxide. In chemical sunscreen – benzophenone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, benzotriazoles, cinnamates, and PABAs.

Benefits:

Physical

• Blocks out UVA and UVB rays.
• Good for direct sun exposure.
• Works immediately.
• Better for sensitive skin.

Chemical

• Easier to apply without streaking
• Highly effective for sports and physical activity

Disadvantages:

Physical

• Leaves white streaks on the skin.
• Since it’s not absorbed, it washes off easily it’sneeds to be reapplied frequently.
• Not suitable for use in sports where sweat and water can remove it from the skin’s surface.

Chemical

• You need to apply it in advance. At least 20 minutes before stepping out.
• Not very effective against direct sunlight.
• Needs frequent reapplication.
• The ingredients are not environmentally friendly and can cause harm to delicate eco systems.

What are 5 things that make a good sunscreen?

• Approved by the TGA – TGA-approved sunscreens have an "AUSTL XXXX" number on the packaging.
• Meet the required SPF rating of 50 and above – As of 1st August 2024, sunscreens should be at least SPF 50 or 50+
• Water-resistant properties
• Broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Good for sensitive skin – Some sunscreens offer moisturising properties as well as sun protection. But avoid cosmetic sunscreens as they are not regulated by the TGA.

What ingredient should not be in sunscreen?

The ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate have been found to cause skin sensitivities. Look out for these ingredients when making your next purchase. Another cause for concern is that these ingredients have been found to cause adverse effects on the coral reef and environment.

What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

Sunscreens are chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin and create a chemical barrier. Sunblocks are physical sunscreens that create a physical barrier atop the skin and prevent UVA and UVB rays from reaching your skin.

How to apply sunscreen correctly

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that only 38.1% of Australians aged 15 and over use sunscreen on most days during peak UV periods. Regular and proper application of a regulated or approved sunscreen is considered important, especially when the UV index is forecast to be 3 or above.

Apply generously and reapply it every two hours.

Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen — approximately the size of a golf ball — to every part of your body exposed to the sun. Remember your ears, feet and back of the neck. Avoid eye and mouth areas.

Apply after your regular moisturisers and serums.

If you use a moisturiser or serum on a daily basis, make sure to apply it before you apply sunscreen. Serum first, moisturizer second, and sunscreen as the final layer. For a chemical sunscreen, you can use it on top of the serum layer for better absorption.

Apply frequently if swimming or sweating.

There is no sunscreen that offers all-day protection. Do not rely on any product that claims all-day protection from the sun and put yourself at risk.

Use additional protective measures

Wear UPF-rated clothing, seek shade, and wear hats and sunglasses to reduce the risk of sun damage.

Common misconception

A common misconception about sunscreen is that it can cause a vitamin D deficiency. The truth is that typical use of sunscreen has a minimal effect on the absorption of vitamin D, and regular and incidental sun exposure is enough to get a sufficient amount.

If you are still unsure about what sunscreen would be the right one for your specific needs, such as skin type and the amount and nature of daily sun exposure, do consult a professional dermatologist or skin clinic to get advice on the type of sunscreen best for you.

FAQs

What SPF is recommended for Australia?

The sunscreens that are the best for Australian sun would have an SPF rating of at least 50 or 50+.

Why wait 15 minutes after sunscreen?

If using a chemical sunscreen, the product needs to absorb well into the skin for at least 15 minutes before becoming effective against the sun.

What is the correct way to apply sunscreen?

You should liberally apply sunscreen on all exposed areas of your body and reapply it every two hours for proper protection.

How to know if sunscreen is not suitable for the face?

Body sunscreen is considered suitable for use on the body and face, but it can sometimes be a bit heavy and greasy. Sunscreen specially formulated for the face is usually lightweight, easier to apply, and more expensive.

What age should you start wearing sunscreen every day?

Sunscreen should be used during sun exposure in Australia from age 6 months onwards.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

We will not do skin cancer checks or do consultations for things that your doctor thinks are sun damage/skin cancers. This is because sunspots or skin cancers often need close examination in person and may need surgery, so you may still need to see a dermatologist in person. This service is ideal for managing acne, psoriasis, eczema, hair disorders, urticaria (hives), rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and many other skin conditions.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The authors, editors, and publishers of this content cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions, or any consequences arising from the use of the information contained herein.

Medical science and guidelines are constantly changing, and while we strive to keep the information up-to-date and correct, no guarantee is made to that effect. Individual cases may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call emergency services immediately.