Why should I use sunscreen?The sun produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can harm the skin.
Harm can range from appearance-related effects such as skin spots and premature ageing, to potentially life-threatening skin cancer. Sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin from the sun – along with a hat, protective clothing, shade and sunglasses. Regular use of sunscreen to reduce the risk of UV-caused skin damage is recommended by dermatologists, cancer specialists, the Cancer Council and public health authorities. |
What are the effects of UV radiation?
You cannot see, hear or feel UV radiation – unlike the sun’s visible light or infrared rays, which we feel as heat, and visible light.
UV radiation is known to cause cancer in humans.[i] UVA and UVB are the two types of UV radiation that reach the earth’s surface. Overexposure to UVA or UVB can lead to skin cancer.
UV radiation is known to cause cancer in humans.[i] UVA and UVB are the two types of UV radiation that reach the earth’s surface. Overexposure to UVA or UVB can lead to skin cancer.
UVA – or “ageing rays” – can also prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles, sagging, age spots and tanning. UVB – or “burning rays” – can also cause skin reddening and sunburn.
In Australia, the most recent surveys on sun protection and sunburn showed that 13% of adults, 21% of teenagers[ii] and 8% of children[iii] are sunburnt on an average summer weekend.
However, you do not have to get sunburnt to increase your risk of skin cancer. Too much UV radiation can damage skin cells and lead to a skin cancer. This damage is irreversible.
In Australia, the most recent surveys on sun protection and sunburn showed that 13% of adults, 21% of teenagers[ii] and 8% of children[iii] are sunburnt on an average summer weekend.
However, you do not have to get sunburnt to increase your risk of skin cancer. Too much UV radiation can damage skin cells and lead to a skin cancer. This damage is irreversible.
Skin cancer in Australia - a snapshot
Australia (along with New Zealand) has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70.[iv]
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells multiply rapidly. The three main types of skin cancer are named according to the type of skin cell in which the cancer develops:
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells multiply rapidly. The three main types of skin cancer are named according to the type of skin cell in which the cancer develops:
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. A melanoma that is only 1mm deep can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.[v] So, even if the original melanoma is cut out, cancer can appear in other parts of the body over time. |
Skin cancer… …accounts for around 80% of all cancer diagnoses in Australia each year[vii] Melanoma…[viii] …is the fourth most common cancer in Australia …will kill* over 1700 Australians in 2016 – roughly one every 5 hours …will be diagnosed in* over 13,000 new cases in Australia in 2016 *estimates based on mathematical extrapolation of past trends |
UV exposure causes 95% of melanoma in Australia.[vi] This means that most cases of melanoma are preventable.
What factors affect the impact of sun exposure?
Levels of UV radiation vary throughout the day. The UV Index – an international standard measurement of UV radiation levels – helps promote public awareness of when sun protection is required.
In Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) estimates the UV Index every day. The BoM issues an alert for particular times of the day if the UV Index forecast is three or above.
You can check for UV alerts via the weather section of daily newspapers, the Bureau of Meteorology website and the Cancer Council Australia website. You can also download the free SunSmart app to your mobile device and the SunSmart widget to your website. Many factors affect the impact of sun exposure. Some affect the amount of UV radiation reaching your skin, and some affect the susceptibility of individuals to UV radiation. |
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- Time of day and year: UV radiation increases when the sun is higher in the sky, so the middle hours of the day in summer are peak UV times. Temperature is not a reliable indicator of UV radiation levels.
- Weather conditions: Clear skies mean higher UV radiation levels than cloudy weather. But beware cloudy days – clouds block the sun’s heat but still allow about 80% of UV through.[ix]
- Geographical location: UV radiation increases at higher altitudes and closer to the equator.
- Surroundings: UV radiation reflects off surfaces such as water, snow and sand, increasing its impact.
- Lifestyle: Spending prolonged periods outdoors, e.g. working outdoors or taking holidays in sunny climates, increases exposure to UV radiation.
- Skin type: The amount of skin pigment (melanin) affects susceptibility to UV radiation damage. More pigmentation means greater natural protection, so those with paler skin are more susceptible to UV damage.
- Age: Young skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin. Overexposure to UV during childhood is considered a major factor in determining future skin cancer risk.[x] Sun damage is also known to be cumulative.
Who needs sunscreen?
My skin tans easily and I rarely burn. I don’t need sunscreen.
Not true! Although people with skin types that are less likely to burn are at lower risk, anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of age, gender or race. In fact, two out of every three Australians currently develop skin cancer before the age of 70.[iv] So if you are outdoors in daylight hours, check the UV Index and protect yourself accordingly. Sunscreen, properly applied, is an important part of protecting your skin. |
What skin type are you? The Fitzpatrick skin type classification may be helpful in identifying your sun sensitivity. Take the questionnaire to find out. |
Are sunscreens safe to use?
Suncreens are an important part of your sun protection regime.
All sunscreens in Australia are regulated to make sure they are safe and to make sure they perform as well as they claim to. All products making an SPF claim in Australia are required to meet the Australian/NZ Standard for sunscreen products.[xi] The standard outlines the testing required to determine the SPF. Only approved ingredients can be included in sunscreens.
Allergic reactions to sunscreen are rare. If you do have an allergic reaction, it is usually caused by fragrance or preservative in the product rather than the active sunscreen ingredients. You could try using a product designed for sensitive skin.
From time to time you may hear questions raised about the safety or efficacy of sunscreens.
Too much sun exposure has known risks. According to the NSW Cancer Council, “1,600 people die from skin cancer every year. It is almost entirely preventable. It is a lot more harmful to stop wearing sunscreen.”[xii]
You may also have heard that sun protection, including wearing sunscreen, may put you at risk of vitamin D deficiency. For more on this, see What about vitamin D?
All sunscreens in Australia are regulated to make sure they are safe and to make sure they perform as well as they claim to. All products making an SPF claim in Australia are required to meet the Australian/NZ Standard for sunscreen products.[xi] The standard outlines the testing required to determine the SPF. Only approved ingredients can be included in sunscreens.
Allergic reactions to sunscreen are rare. If you do have an allergic reaction, it is usually caused by fragrance or preservative in the product rather than the active sunscreen ingredients. You could try using a product designed for sensitive skin.
From time to time you may hear questions raised about the safety or efficacy of sunscreens.
Too much sun exposure has known risks. According to the NSW Cancer Council, “1,600 people die from skin cancer every year. It is almost entirely preventable. It is a lot more harmful to stop wearing sunscreen.”[xii]
You may also have heard that sun protection, including wearing sunscreen, may put you at risk of vitamin D deficiency. For more on this, see What about vitamin D?
To read more about sunscreen regulation in Australia, and about some of the more common sunscreen myths, see Sunscreens – more harm than good at the furphies.org.au website.
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References
[i] Agents Classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1–116, https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/ClassificationsGroupOrder.pdf
[ii] Volkov, A. et al., 2013, “Seven-year trends in sun protection and sunburn among Australian adolescents and adults”, The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Volume 37, Issue 1, Pages 63–69.
[iii] Dobbinson, S. et al., 2012, “Children’s sun exposure and sun protection: Prevalence in Australia and related parental factors”, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , Volume 66 , Issue 6 , Pages 938 – 947.
[iv] Staples, M.P. et al 2006, “Non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia: the 2002 national survey and trends since 1985”, Medical Journal of Australia, Volume 184, pages 6-10.
[v] https://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/how-we-help/cancer-prevention/skin-cancer-prevention/Understanding-skin-cancer/what-is-melanoma (Accessed 11 August 2016)
[vi] Armstrong, B.K. and Kricker, A. 1993, “How much melanoma is caused by sun exposure?”, Melanoma Research, Volume 3, pages 395-401. Cited at https://canceraustralia.gov.au/publications-and-resources/position-statements/lifestyle-risk-factors-and-primary-prevention-cancer/lifestyle-risk-factors/uv-radiation (Accessed 11 August 2016)
[vii] www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.html (Accessed 12 August 2016)
[viii] www.aihw.gov.au/cancer/melanoma/ (Accessed 11 August 2016)
[ix] Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide. 2002 A joint recommendation of the World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
[x] Balk, S.J. 2011, “Ultraviolet Radiation: A Hazard to Children and Adolescents”, Pediatrics, Volume 127, Issue 3. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/3/e791.full (Accessed 5 August 2016).
[xi] Australian/New Zealand Standard, Sunscreen products – Evaluation and classification (AS/NZS 2604:2021), 7th Ed 2021, Standards Australia Ltd/Standards New Zealand
[xii] “Not using sunscreen ‘a bigger risk’”, January 11, 2009, Sydney Morning Herald. http://news.smh.com.au/national/not-using-sunscreen-a-bigger-risk-20090111-7e4n.html (Accessed 12 August 2016)
[i] Agents Classified by the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1–116, https://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/ClassificationsGroupOrder.pdf
[ii] Volkov, A. et al., 2013, “Seven-year trends in sun protection and sunburn among Australian adolescents and adults”, The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, Volume 37, Issue 1, Pages 63–69.
[iii] Dobbinson, S. et al., 2012, “Children’s sun exposure and sun protection: Prevalence in Australia and related parental factors”, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , Volume 66 , Issue 6 , Pages 938 – 947.
[iv] Staples, M.P. et al 2006, “Non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia: the 2002 national survey and trends since 1985”, Medical Journal of Australia, Volume 184, pages 6-10.
[v] https://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/how-we-help/cancer-prevention/skin-cancer-prevention/Understanding-skin-cancer/what-is-melanoma (Accessed 11 August 2016)
[vi] Armstrong, B.K. and Kricker, A. 1993, “How much melanoma is caused by sun exposure?”, Melanoma Research, Volume 3, pages 395-401. Cited at https://canceraustralia.gov.au/publications-and-resources/position-statements/lifestyle-risk-factors-and-primary-prevention-cancer/lifestyle-risk-factors/uv-radiation (Accessed 11 August 2016)
[vii] www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.html (Accessed 12 August 2016)
[viii] www.aihw.gov.au/cancer/melanoma/ (Accessed 11 August 2016)
[ix] Global Solar UV Index: A Practical Guide. 2002 A joint recommendation of the World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
[x] Balk, S.J. 2011, “Ultraviolet Radiation: A Hazard to Children and Adolescents”, Pediatrics, Volume 127, Issue 3. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/127/3/e791.full (Accessed 5 August 2016).
[xi] Australian/New Zealand Standard, Sunscreen products – Evaluation and classification (AS/NZS 2604:2021), 7th Ed 2021, Standards Australia Ltd/Standards New Zealand
[xii] “Not using sunscreen ‘a bigger risk’”, January 11, 2009, Sydney Morning Herald. http://news.smh.com.au/national/not-using-sunscreen-a-bigger-risk-20090111-7e4n.html (Accessed 12 August 2016)