Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Unfortunately, awareness about the danger of excessive UV exposure came too late for many older Australians, who suffered from terrible, repetitive sunburns in their younger years. Now that we have the knowledge and methods to reduce UV damage and skin cancer risk let’s take a closer look at sunscreens.
What is sunscreen?
Sunscreens are topical creams that are one of the five methods to help protect our skin against UV damage and sunburn. UV rays are not visible to us like visible light, and they can penetrate the clouds. So, even on a cloudy day, high UV can be present. UV rays include both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA Rays
UVA rays have longer wavelengths and penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching deeper into the skin called dermis, which provides the main support for our skin. UVA results in damage in the dermis, resulting in premature skin aging, such as wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of elasticity and thinning of the skin (depletion of collagen and elastin that makes our skin supple).
UVB Rays
UVB has a shorter wavelength and affects the top layer of the skin, resulting in sunburn. Both UVA and UVB can contribute to the development of skin cancers as they can cause cumulative damage to the skin and a reduction in skin cell immunity—thereby reducing the skin’s ability to detect and destroy precancerous and early skin cancers, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer with age. If you are unsure of your skin health, contact our friendly staff at Palmyra Skin Clinic for further information or book a skin cancer check.
What are the different types of sunscreens?
Sunscreen can be chemical-based, physical-based or hybrid (a combination of both chemical and physical).
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens are made of a combination of chemicals that are absorbed into the top layer of the skin and act as filters to absorb UV rays. Therefore, they need to be applied 20 minutes before outdoor activities in order for them to absorb into the skin and work properly. Chemical sunscreens are generally lightweight, non-greasy, and more friendly for people who are prone to blemishes (non-comedogenic). They also blend well with makeup.
Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens are made of fine mineral particles of either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and generally contain less active chemicals. They stay on the surface of the skin as a ‘shield’ and both absorb and reflect UV rays. They also work immediately against UV after application. However, they can be chalky, thick, and whitish and may aggravate blemish-prone skin. They are very good choices for water-related outdoor activities and are ocean reef-friendly.
Hybrid Sunscreens
A hybrid sunscreen reaps the benefit of both types. It includes both chemical and physical filters and may provide better UV protection than each type of sunscreen alone.
What is SPF?
Sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 4 and above are listed on the Australian Register of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Products can only be listed on the register if they comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for sunscreen products (AS/NZS 2604:2012). The highest SPF for sunscreen available in Australia is SPF50+. The SPF number is only a guide to a sunscreen’s protection.
In laboratory conditions, when used as directed, SPF30 sunscreen filters 96.7% of UV radiation and SPF50 filters 98%. Both provide excellent protection from the sun and prevent skin cancer if they are applied properly. In Australia, we recommend using sunscreens with at least SPF 30.
What does ‘broad-spectrum’ mean?
SPF refers to protection against UVB. There is no current Australian rating against protection for UVA. Whilst some sunscreens only protect against UVA and some against UVB, the term ‘broad-spectrum’ means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Is sunscreen safe to use?
There is clear evidence that regular use of sunscreens helps prevent skin cancer. Long-term studies of sunscreen use in Australia have found no harmful effects of regular use. Questions have been raised about the safety of sunscreens containing nanoparticles. The available evidence suggests that nanoparticles do not pose a risk to health. In Australia, we have very stringent standards regarding sunscreens. When looking for sunscreen, we recommend ones that have been TGA tested to meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard for sunscreen products (AS/NZS 2604:2012) in terms of safety, quality, and efficacy. A sunscreen product that meets those requirements has a serial number starting with AUST LXXXX, usually found on the packaging or the container.
Since both UVA and UVB can cause skin cancers and UV-associated skin damage, we recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen to filter out both types of radiation. At Palmyra Skin Clinic Perth, we offer a range of La Roche Posay Anthelios sunscreen designed for a wide range of skin types. If you are worried about skin cancer or have previously had skin cancer treatment, get in touch with our friendly skin specialist to find out more about your skin health and plan your future steps.