Despite living in a country known for its scorching sun, a lot of Australians are still confused about sunscreen. And with so many SPF myths and facts floating around, it’s easy to see why.
Plus, the same protection tips we were once taught as kids can change. Especially as we continue to discover more about the sun and how it affects our skin.
Remember “slip, slop, slap”, for example? The catchy slogan was updated in 2007 to “slip, slop, slap, seek and slide”, referring to seeking shade and sliding on a pair of sunglasses.
There’s always something more to learn, so read on to discover the sunscreen myths and facts to know today.
FACT: Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime
We hate to start with a sombre stat but it’s one that reflects the importance of sun protection. According to a national survey, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. However, a study led by the University of Sydney found that Australians aged 18-40 who regularly used sunscreen reduced their risk of developing melanoma by 40 per cent, compared to those who rarely used sunscreen. We know which odds we’ll be taking.
MYTH: You don’t have to wear sunscreen in winter
The sun may be a bit more subdued in winter but in Australia we’re subject to sun exposure year-round. Rather than looking up at the sky to make your judgement, check the UV index of your location on your weather app or via the ARPANSA website. If the level is three or above, skin damage can occur and it’s best to wear sunscreen for that time duration.
The good news is that wearing sunscreen daily doesn’t have to be a greasy burden. The Cetaphil Sun Ultra-light Lotion SPF50+ ($18.49 at Chemist Warehouse) is fast-absorbing, comfortable and wears well under makeup thanks to a matte finish. It’ll slide seamlessly into your routine for lightweight protection no matter the season.
FACT: The sun can still reach you inside
Ever wondered why using a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection is important? We’ll give you one of the reasons: windows. While UVB rays (associated with sunburn) are largely blocked by glass, UVA rays (associated with skin ageing) can still reach you. So if you like a desk with a view, keep your skin safe by applying sunscreen.
MYTH: Sensitive skin types can’t wear sunscreen
Sunscreen may have had a bad rap with sensitive skin in the past, but gone are the days of pore-blocking and irritating SPFs being your only option. Cetaphil Sun Ultra-light Lotion SPF50+ ($18.49 at Chemist Warehouse) and Cetaphil Sun Kids Liposomal Lotion SPF50+ ($18.49 at Chemist Warehouse) are made specifically to care for sensitive and delicate skin. Providing easy sun protection for adults and kids, the hypoallergenic formulas are lightweight, fragrance-free and contain skin-nourishing vitamin E.
FACT: One teaspoon should be applied per limb
Using a sunscreen that lasts two hours and has SPF 50? These guidelines are only accurate if you’re applying enough. According to cancer.org, this should be at least one teaspoon per limb, front and back of the body, plus one for your head. Sunscreen can also be wiped off, so if you’re sweating, swimming or playing sports, reapplication is necessary.
MYTH: The sunscreen in my makeup is enough
If you’re hoping a foundation with SPF 20 will provide all the protection you need, the same teaspoon rule applies to reach that level of protection. And even those who like their base full coverage are unlikely to be using that much. In the same vein, applying a moisturiser with SPF 15 and a foundation with SPF 20 does not equal to SPF 35. Each product only protects to the level on its label, so the highest number you apply is the highest level you will have on. Your best bet? Apply a makeup-friendly sunscreen before your base. Easy!
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
Limit sun exposure and use protective clothing, hats and eye wear. Keep out of eyes. Reapply sunscreen regularly.
Were you surprised by any of these myths and facts? Have you tried Cetaphil before?
I wasn’t surprised by any of these myths or facts. I’ve used Cetaphil but not their sunscreen ranges will keep my eye out when I need one next as I love their body creams.
Yes i love Cetaphil too but haven’t tried their sunscreen ranges
I would like to try it too.
Not surprised -I have only started using sunscreen this winter as well as of course summer and use sunscreen even if my makeup has sunscreen in
I use spf only if directly exposed to the sun (direct trough window, like in the car) more than 10-15 min non stop. Otherwise, nope. Most sunscreens are so bad for my skin. Atm can wear only one, zinc based.
A great reminder to use SPF daily!
Sure is a great reminder.
Yes I have started using sunscreen in winter now and am glad I have -always in summer and sunscreen in makeup is a bonus
Sunscreen is so important! Even though I don’t like how it feels on my skin
I wear spf daily.
I use Cetaphil products but haven’t tried their sunscreen before.
So many people seem to be having a problem with skin cancer. I wonder if it only because we are getting better at getting our skin checked?
It is getting hotter though -Even in NZ last summer we were getting 28/30% heat and of course a lot of places in Aussi up to 40%
I wonder if it is all the toxics put on our skin?
I tend to wear it everyday, despite the season or UV index.
sensible Miss_85
I thought the SPF in my moisturizer was enough. Thanks for the info in this article.
always better some than none though
I work in childcare is part of our routines and teaching practices, but also I am very aware of skin cancer since it is many cases in my family. It is so important to build a culture to skin protection
Good tips. I used Cetaphil moisturizer, I will vtry the sunscreen too.
I don’t think I use a teaspoon of sunscreen on my face daily. That seems like a lot, I never get sunburnt on my face but I’d rather err on the side of caution and increase it
I use a good teaspoon and cover my neck too
TBH I don’t use it very often.
I suppose I should wera sunscreen in winter then.
Sunscreen is so very important especially on your Face and Neck I always use a 50+ after applying my Moisturiser then I use Sunscreen.
I never use sunscreens other than hats and clothes, if you look at the facts, more skin cancer is caused by other things and sunscreen has not prevented any of them. All it does is block important Vitamin D. Staying out of the sun when it is too hot or covering up is way more sensible.
Lack of Vitamin D is a problem. I do use sunscreen but am aware we need some sunlight as well.
I am so vitamin d deficient.
I slather it on.
I have used a few Cetaphil products but not their sunscreen. I will have to put it in my buy list.
A good habit is just to use SPF daily
I’m guilty of forgetting to use sunscreen on many an occasion
The skin cancer stats is terrifying. I’m adding a lot more sunscreen into my skin care routine winter & summer
That no maybe. the stats are really bad.
I probably don’t use enough sunscreen on days when I’m planning to be inside, but otherwise I’m pretty good (according to this list).
Not surprised by any of this because I am one of the 2 out of 3 people who has been diagnosed with skin cancer (non-melanoma) previously, so I’ve had this stuff drummed into me for years, along with having yearly skin cancer checks via a dermatologist. I always look at the UV index on my BOM Weather app to make sure whether or not I need SPF. I don’t rely on the sunscreen in makeup (if I’m wearing it) & although I have sensitive skin, I still wear sunscreen.
Thankfully I haven’t had to have further surgeries to remove skin cancers (once was enough), but have had a few suspicious lesions topically removed over time or burnt off with a cryo gun.
I’ve always been surprised that it’s only one teaspoon needed for such a large area – I definitely use way more!
One teaspoon per limb. Wow I overdo the sunscreen then.
great facts but i do change myspf in winter
All good to know.
I haven’t tried Cetaphil before.But I only use sunscreen when i am going out.But after reading this I should apply sunscreen when stay inside as well.
I have never thought of wearing sunscreen when I’m inside before.
This was super interesting! Good to know! X
Haven’t tried the Cetaphil sunscreen yet but their other products are fab
There’s a lot of skin cancer in my family: dad & his brothers look like they’ve been in knife fights because of all their scars. I slather on the sunscreen & have a yearly skin check.
Glad I’m not being paranoid with the sunscreen year round
Good to read these facts and myths; not many would know sunscreen in winter may still be necessary.
FACT: Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime!! This is incredible. Such a high figure. One could count ones self as lucky if they have not been diagnosed with skin cancer.
I’m not surprised by any of this information. I use sunscreen every day, and have done for decades.
It is good to remind ourselves that SPF in skincare is just a top up and not to be the only SPF we use.
It was a Winter Sports day today, I would say Les than half of the people there were wearing sunscreen. My daughter and I are.