Frequently asked questions
Sunscreen
What do SPF numbers mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF is a laboratory derived ratio which measures the increased amount of radiation which causes redness in skin when the sunscreen tested is applied, compared to when it is not used at all. For example if it takes 10 minutes for unprotected skin to show redness, then an SPF15 sunscreen correctly applied, will take 15 times as long or 150 minutes to burn.
In reality, it is rare for a person to achieve this exact level of protection as factors like how much you apply, the weather and even your skin type will affect your level of protection. In fact, many Australians apply too little sunscreen. This results in sunscreen users achieving an SPF of between 50-80% less than that specified on the product label.
How much better are SPF 30+ sunscreens?
SPF30+ allows transmission of 3.4% of UV radiation. SPF30+ sunscreen does not mean you can stay out of the sun for longer periods of time and you should also use sunscreen in conjunction with other sun protection measures - hats, sunglasses, clothing, and shade.
What does broad spectrum mean?
A sunscreen labelled Broad Spectrum offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. All Cancer Council Australia sunscreens are broad spectrum.
Nanoparticles and sunscreen.
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
Some sunscreens in European countries and elsewhere have SPF ratings much higher than 30+, for example SPF 60 and even SPF 100, so why are there no such sunscreens available for sale in Australia?
Firstly, SPF testing protocols are, unfortunately, not universal. Therefore SPF ratings on UK/EU sunscreens cannot be compared directly with SPF ratings of Australian/NZ sunscreens. The SPF rating for Australian/NZ sunscreens is determined ‘post immersion’ using an Australian standard method which subjects the sunscreen to the SPF test after it is applied to the skin AND after immersion in turbulent water under controlled standard conditions.
On the other hand, UK/EU SPF test protocol is ‘pre immersion’, which means that the sunscreen is SPF tested, without the skin surface that has had the sunscreen applied to it, being immersed in turbulent water BEFORE the SPF test. In other words the Australian SPF test protocol is more robust than the UK/EU procedure and more relevant to Australian conditions.
Secondly, there is concern among Cancer Councils and other health promotion bodies in Australia/NZ that the raising of claimable SPF greater than the current 30+ numeral designation may give people a false sense of security and encourage much longer exposure to the sun, with the likelihood of further burning incidents and increased skin cancer risk. It is considered that an SPF factor of 30+ is more than enough protection against sunburn under normal conditions of exposure and time and that to increase the SPF numeral above 30 may do more harm than good. Therefore, TGA regulations do not permit SPF factor numerals greater than 30 to be claimed on sunscreen labels. Notwithstanding this, all broad spectrum SPF 30+ rated sunscreen formulations in Australia/NZ will have an SPF rating greater than 30 but the exact rating numeral cannot be claimed, hence the use of the designation 30+ which means that the sunscreen has an SPF factor greater than 30.
Can sunscreens be used on babies and young children?
Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping babies and children out of the sun as much as possible. When this is not possible, ensure they stay in the shade as much as possible and wear protective clothing and a hat. Broad spectrum, SPF30+ sunscreen may be applied to small areas of skin that cannot be protected by clothing (such as face, ears and backs of hands).
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are tagged with an EPF rating, what does this mean?
EPF is Eye Protection Factor and a rating of 1 to 10 was developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency as a UV protection rating for sunglass lenses.
The higher the number the better the protection.
What about sunglasses categories?
Australian Standards have nominated 4 categories
0) Are fashion spectacles not sunglasses, are very low sun protection and offer some UV protection
1) Are fashion spectacles, offer limited sun glare, some UV protection and are not suitable for driving at night
2) Are sunglasses that offer medium sun glare reduction and good UV protection
3) Are sunglasses that have high sun glare reduction and good UV protection
4) Are sunglasses that are special purpose that offer very high sun glare reduction and good UV protection but must not be used for driving
What does polarised mean?
A polarised lens has been constructed with filters that eliminate 100% of horizontally reflected glare; multi layer lenses are also shatter resistant.
Cancer council lenses with this treatment will be indicated with a sticker: polarised glarefoil.
Clothing
What does UPF 50+ mean?
Ultra violet protection factor is measured by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. UPF 50+ is the highest rating category in accordance with the Australian standard for sun protective fabrics AS/NZS 4399
What about chloresist fabrics?
As well as being UPF50+ the fabric used on some of our garments is chlorine resistant, elastaine free and has no fibre breakdown in chlorinated pools.
