Sunscreen facts worth knowing
Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world. Sunscreen is the simplest daily habit for protecting your skin, but most of us don’t use enough of it.
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days?
Yes. UV radiation passes through cloud, and on overcast days it can still be high enough to damage skin. In Australia, protect your skin whenever the UV Index is 3 or above. You can check the daily UV forecast in the free SunSmart app.
Do I need it if I have darker skin?
Yes. Darker skin burns less easily, but it is still damaged by UV. Sun exposure also worsens pigmentation such as melasma and dark marks after acne, which are more common in darker skin.
Which SPF should I use?
Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. SPF 50+ is the best choice for daily use in Australia. “Broad spectrum” means it protects against both UVA, which ages the skin, and UVB, which burns it.
Chemical or mineral?
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear every day. Mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, tend to suit sensitive and acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens are often lighter to wear. Both work well when applied properly.
How much should I use?
Most people apply about a quarter to half of what they need. An adult needs around a teaspoon for each arm, each leg, the front of the body, the back, and the face, neck and ears, which is about seven teaspoons in all. Apply it 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming, sweating or towelling. Makeup and moisturisers with SPF are a bonus, but on their own they’re rarely applied thickly enough.
Can UV reach me in the car?
Windscreens block most UV, but side windows let through UVA, which ages the skin. Tinted side windows help on long drives, and so does keeping sunscreen in the car.
Sunscreen is one part of it
Sunscreen works best alongside protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and shade, especially in the middle of the day.
When to see a doctor
Check your skin regularly and see your GP about any spot that is new, changing or not healing.
This article is general information, not medical advice. All procedures carry risks.
Back to AdviceBook a consultation
Every treatment at Concept Cosmetic Medicine starts with an unhurried, one-on-one consultation with an experienced practitioner. You’ll talk through your concerns and goals, and leave with a clear plan built around your skin, with recovery, risks and costs explained, so you can decide with confidence.
Important information. All procedures carry risks. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. Before any treatment you’ll have a consultation with a registered practitioner, who will explain the expected benefits, recovery time, possible side effects and complications, costs, and alternatives, including not having treatment. Take time to consider your decision. You may wish to seek a second opinion.