Sunscreen protection: What You Should Know

Sunscreen protection: What You Should Know

There has been a flurry of media attention towards SPF (sunscreen protection factor) over the last few months and as huge sunscreen advocates, here, we break down the facts on this hot topic.

Who Regulates Sunscreen in Australia?

In Australia the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) is a body that monitors and regulates therapeutic products to ensure their safety, and that the products that sit under this category, are fit for their purpose.

A therapeutic product is used to prevent, diagnose or treat a disease or its symptoms(1). In effect, they have a ‘therapeutic effect’. Sunscreens, whose primary role is UV protection, sit under the TGA and are regulated because they are considered a therapeutic good, not a cosmetic.

The Testing Process

In Australia, before a sunscreen hits the retail shelves for sale, it undergoes strict specific testing that is conducted by independent accredited laboratories.

It must adhere to and meet specific standards like the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2604:2021 and the International SPF testing method known as ISO 24444:2019.

This testing ensures the sunscreen you choose to use will provide you with assurance when it comes to SPF and water resistance, for example. Under therapeutic legislation, statements on sunscreens must be truthful and not misleading(2).

Understanding SPF Numbers

When you look at the SPF number on a sunscreen, it’s a guide for the level of protection it provides, and generally, the higher the number, the higher sun protection factor.

However, interestingly, it is only a small marginal difference between SPF30 filtering out 96.7% and SPF50 filtering out 98% of UVB radiation, with no sunscreen blocking 100% of all UV radiation (3).

Hence why we call them sunscreens and not sunblock!

UVA vs UVB: What’s the Difference?

UVB is the contributor to burning and increased skin cancer.

UVA is responsible for ageing and higher skin cancer risk(5).

The Cancer Council advocates the application of daily sunscreen above a UV index of 3 or above and has adopted the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide mantra. Always apply your sunscreen liberally and reapply after swimming or activity where you may sweat.

Sun Protection vs Vitamin D

With sunscreen in the spotlight, concerns regarding inadequate levels of vitamin D due to our daily application of SPF and our sun safety measures has also surfaced. Vitamin D is necessary for good immunity and bone health with the best source being the sun. However vitamin D can also be found and obtained through your diet from fatty fish, cod liver oil, egg yolks and vitamin D fortified foods.

Balancing sun protection with spending a few minutes each day outdoors, along with vitamin D rich foods can assure most people adequate levels of vitamin D are reached. Always seek medical advice if you have concerns of vitamin D deficiency, diet or sun protection.

Our Recommendations


At Biologi, we recommend Mother SPF and The Kind Sunscreen. We love that both formulas not only comply with strict testing standards but also steer clear of chemical UV actives, silicones, parabens, PEG-based emulsifiers and fragrances - making them gentle, safe and effective for all skin types and conditions.







References:

(1) https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/cosmetics-and-therapeutics
(2) https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/updated-tga-statement-choice-spf-sunscreen-findings
(3) https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/sunscreen-spf-testing-information-consumers
(4) https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen
(5) https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen/spf50-sunscreen
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d/
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/vitamin-d
(1) https://www.industrialchemicals.gov.au/cosmetics-and-soap/cosmetics-and-therapeutics
(2) https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/updated-tga-statement-choice-spf-sunscreen-findings
(3) https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/sunscreen-spf-testing-information-consumers
(4) https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen
(5) https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen/spf50-sunscreen
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d/
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/vitamin-d

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