What are sunscreens?
Sunscreens are products which protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet UV rays. They contain chemicals which either absorb or reflect the UV rays which would otherwise burn and damage the skin.

The following information has been kindly provided by the Anti-Cancer Foundation.

• The sun does not need to feel hot to damage your skin and eyes. The damage is done by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which is not seen or felt.
• Unprotected exposure to UVR can lead to sunburn skin damage and skin cancer as well as eye damage.
• No sunscreen gives complete protection from UVR For the best protection use sunscreen and: - minimise time in the sun between 11:00am and 3pm. (daylight saving time) - wear protective clothing such as a long sleeved shirt with collar - wear a broad brimmed hat or legionnaires cap and sunglasses - stay in the shade as much as possible
• Always choose a sunscreen that is SFP 30+ and broad spectrum. Use water resistant sunscreen for swimming and outdoor activities that make you sweat.
• Apply sunscreen generously and evenly on clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside. Leave a light film on the skin - don’t rub it in
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours - more often if it has been wiped, washed or sweated off

By correctly using an SPF30+ sunscreen rather than an SPF 15, you will halve your chance of getting sunburnt.

You will also increase your protection against other kinds of skin damage, such as ageing and wrinkles.

SPF 30+ SUNSCREEN SHOULD NOT BE USED TO DELIBERATELY INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU SPEND IN THE SUN.

Damage by the sun is cumulative and permanent!
You can get sunburnt even on a cool, cloudy day so be SunSmart all year round!

For further information:
visit the Anti-Cancer Foundation link site www.acf.org.au
or contact them on:
tel (08)82914111
country callers (1800) 188070
Fax: (08)82914122
Email acf@acf.org.au