Did you know not all sunscreens are created equal? We spoke to Scientific Communications and Education Manager at La Roche Posay, Rachel McAdam about how to check if your sunscreen is giving you the best possible protection. Don’t let your enviable summer body burn in the sun.
We’ve all heard about the hazards of basking too longer under the Australian sun. Is there a type of special cream we should be using?
Rachel McAdam: Sunscreens that are sold in Australia are regulated. If your sunscreen has an AUST L number on the label, it means it has been has been tested to the standards set out by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This ensures the formula does what it says on the label. It is a good idea to check that your favourite sunscreen carries an AUST L number.
What is SPF and what does SPF 50+ mean?
Rachel McAdam: The term SPF represents the ‘Sun Protection Factor’. It’s a measurement taken during a laboratory test which determines the time it takes for sunscreen protected skin to burn (from UVB) compared to no protection. For example, if skin protected with sunscreen takes 500 seconds to burn during the test, but only 10 seconds to burn without sunscreen, the SPF is 500/10, which is SPF 50. This does not mean it is safe to stay out in the sun for 50 times longer than you normally would! Every additional second of strong UV radiation can causes damage to the skin.
What is a broad-spectrum sunscreen? Will it protect against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun known to cause sun damage?
Rachel McAdam: UVA (ultra-violet alpha) and UVB (ultra-violet beta) are rays emitted by the sun. UVB rays are responsible for burning whilst UVA rays penetrate deeper and cause damage to the skin’s structure and ageing. Both of these rays can damage DNA in our cells which can lead to skin cancer.
SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Without the broad-spectrum labelling, the sunscreen SPF is only guaranteed to protect against UVB rays. Whilst you may limit burning, your skin may still be affected by the sun to accelerate ageing.
To ensure you are getting the best protection, look for the following:
- The packaging has an Aust L number on the pack (this means it is tested under Australian standards for UVB and UVA)
- It has an SPF 50+ and the packaging has the words broad spectrum
Chemical, physical, mineral, organic and inorganic – what does it all mean?
Rachel McAdam: Sunscreens contain ingredients called filters, these are able to either physically block UV or de-activate UV radiation. This prevents UV radiation from reaching and damaging living skin cells.
The two most common physical filters are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They may also be called inorganic filters.
Don’t let the organic tag fool you. It’s just a term chemists use to indicate if carbon is present in the product, and has nothing to do with the labelling you see in fruit and vegetables in the supermarket.
How much to apply and when to re-apply?
Rachel McAdam: Generally we do not apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen. For a sunscreen to do its job it needs intricately cover the skin’s surface – which under magnification is not a smooth flat surface. As a general rule we should be applying around 5ml (a quantity equivalent to one teaspoon) to the face and neck, each arm, and 2 teaspoons for the torso and each full leg.
All sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours to ensure the protection factor. This is is because the sunscreen on the skin may be ‘diluted’ over time due to factors such as the skin’s natural processes and accidental removal through wiping or washing. So 2 hours later, instead of having an SPF 50 on the skin, it may offer an SPF 10.
How can I make sure the sunscreen is water resistant?
Rachel McAdam: Water resistance is measured by determining the SPF measurement after the period of water immersion claimed on the product. For example an SPF 50+ sunscreen which is 2 hours water resistant needs to still have an SPF of 50+ after it is applied and the skin is immersed in water for 2 hours.
Did you know: Water resistant sunscreens still need to be reapplied regularly due to being worn or rubbed off
What about Make-up with SPF vs Sunscreen?
Rachel McAdam: Primary sunscreens or moisturisers with an SPF 15 or higher need to be tested to the TGA standards. But if it is a cosmetic product with a secondary SPF claim or a moisturiser with an SPF of under 15 it is regulated by the cosmetics governing body NICNAS. NICNAS doesn’t require the same strict testing as the TGA. This means that you should not rely on your makeup or moisturiser to provide the highest UV protection.
Did you know: layering products doesn’t mean the protection you’re getting is the addition of the SPFs offered by each product
La Roche Posay SkinChecker campaign:
https://www.laroche-posay.com.au/SkinChecker
#becomeaskinchecker
Rescu. is a commercial partner of The Roche Posay