What is sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a cream or lotion used on your skin to protect it from the damaging effects of the sun.

Sunlight is made up of different types of rays. One of these is called ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays from the sun can damage your skin and cause skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

There are different types of ultraviolet rays, including:

• ultraviolet A (UVA) rays — damage skin cells and cause premature aging and some types of skin cancer
• ultraviolet B (UVB) rays — cause sunburn

Sunscreen is also called sunblock or sun cream.

You can buy sunscreen without a prescription in your local pharmacy or supermarket.

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun by absorbing UV rays or scattering and reflecting UV rays away from your skin.

It is important to know that sunscreen cannot completely protect you against UV radiation. For this reason, you should also follow SunSmart 'Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide' recommendations.

What are the different types of sunscreens?

There are different types of sunscreens:

• chemical sunscreens - absorb and reflect UV rays, they are light creams or lotions that are invisible when you put them on
• physical sunscreens - reflect UV rays that are made of minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide. These are thick, opaque or heavy creams and leave a milky-white appearance on your skin

Some sunscreens contain ingredients from botanical (plant) sources and are known as natural sunscreens. Others are marketed as being designed for use on the face.

Understanding SPF and sun protection

Sunscreens offer different levels of protection from the sun. They have a SPF (sun protection factor) number. The SPF number measures how effectively it absorbs and filters UV radiation.

Different sunscreens can also protect you against different rays. Broad spectrum sunscreens are sunscreens that protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.

All sunscreen labels in Australia and New Zealand must include their SPF number and which rays they protect you against.

Choosing the right sunscreen

When buying sunscreen, look for:

• broad-spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB rays)
• SPF 30+ to 50+ for strong protection
• waterproof formulas for longer-lasting coverage

Sunscreen also comes in spray form, but these are not recommended. It is hard to apply enough spray sunscreen to achieve good UV protection.

For a sunscreen to be legally sold in Australia it must be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). They make sure the sunscreen you use is safe and effective.

Can Makeup Replace Sunscreen?

Cosmetic products such as makeup should not be used instead of sunscreen. Unlike sunscreens, they do not undergo the same testing required for sale in Australia and may not provide reliable sun protection.

When should I use sunscreen?

You should put on sunscreen on all days that the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or more during any part of the day.

Here are some practical tips on when to use sunscreen:

• Put on the sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside. Do this even if it is cloudy.
• Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours when outside, or follow the instructions on the label.

You can use a weather app that shows you the UV radiation level for the day. Check the UV rating for any of Australia's capital cities at the Bureau of Meteorology website, or download the bureau's app.

Download the free SunSmart app for sun protection alerts, UV data, the 7-day weather forecast and a sunscreen calculator.

How much sunscreen do I need?

Use enough sunscreen to spread evenly on your skin surface. Use around 5 mL (approximately 1 teaspoon) of sunscreen on each part of your body that is exposed to the sun. Use the guide below:

Apply sunscreen to clean and dry skin.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you develop a rash or reaction to your sunscreen. Reactions to sunscreen are rare. If you have a reaction, it is usually an allergy to an ingredient in the sunscreen. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you find a sunscreen you can safely use.

You should also see your doctor if you notice any change in your skin such as:

• crusty sores that are not healing
• any lumps that are small, pale or pearly in colour
• freckles, moles or spots that have changed in size, colour, shape or thickness

Resources and support

• The Cancer Council has some helpful tips and facts about sunscreen.
• Download the free SunSmart App for sun protection alerts, UV data, the 7-day weather forecast and a sunscreen calculator.
• Melanoma Institute Australia has a guide teaching you how to check your skin.
• Be a SunSmart family and learn to protect your family's health and skin.

Other languages

Cancer Council NSW has translated their 'be SunSmart' resource into many community languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Our Mob and Cancer has useful information about sun protection for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.