Spending time outdoors is important for both your physical and mental wellbeing. In Australia, where abundant sunshine, beaches, and other natural wonders can tempt even the most extreme of homebodies, applying the right amount of sun protection is important to ensure your skin is safe from harm – and sunscreen is one of the best ways to take care of this.
When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, Australian-owned brands are some of the most well-regulated in the world. Why? Because our sunscreens are defined as ‘therapeutic goods’ – otherwise known as medicine. This means they are heavily scrutinised and put through a strict approval process before they are shipped out and stocked on the shelves.
There are so many Australian cosmetic brands, and among those are some of the best sunscreen brands on the market. Read on to understand the ins and outs of Australian sunscreen, the regulatory process, and why they are often better than other overseas brands.
How sunscreen works: a quick reminder
In Australia, ultraviolet (UV) levels can often remain high even on cooler or overcast days, which is why it is important to wear sunscreen year-round.
Sunscreen works by scattering or absorbing the sun’s harmful UV radiation to reduce the amount that reaches the skin. Sunscreen is the best method of preventing skin damage while basking in the sun, it can help reduce signs of ageing and, most importantly, reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Sunscreen should always be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure, to allow it to absorb into the skin and create a protective barrier. It should be reapplied every two hours.
All sunscreens made in Australia are labelled with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF). This relates to the amount of time it takes for the skin to burn, for example; if it takes ten minutes for unprotected skin to show redness, applying an SPF30 will stretch this out to 30 times longer (300 minutes).
Sunscreen is heavily regulated in Australia, but should still be applied every two hours.
How sunscreen is regulated in Australia
In Australia, all products that contain sunscreen must be registered and regulated by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These products will all advertise an SPF rating. If a product does not have an SPF rating, it may be an imported product that has not been approved by the TGA (and is perhaps not worth the risk).
In November 2014, the TGA increased the maximum SPF from SPF30+ to SPF50+, which blocks out at least 98 per cent of harmful sun rays. SPF50+ is a broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects from both UVB and UVA rays. UVB is the primary cause of damaging sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer, while UVA contributes to signs of ageing while also increasing the risk of skin cancer.
The TGA has several other very important standards it must follow, including:
- Sunscreens listed with an SPF rating of 4 or above must be approved and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). You can check if a sunscreen is listed by searching the register or checking the sunscreen packaging for an ARTG registration number.
- All therapeutic sunscreens must also be listed on the ARTG before they can legally be marketed and sold.
- All sunscreens can only include TGA-approved ingredients that have been tested and must be manufactured in a TGA-approved facility.
- Australian-produced sunscreens must meet the requirements of the Australia/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 2604:2021). This standard is part of a separate regulatory body from the TGA.
- Manufacturers of sunscreen cannot use the words ‘sunblock’, ‘waterproof’, or ‘sweatproof’ as the terms are considered potentially misleading. Manufacturers can claim a maximum of four hours of ‘water resistance’.
- Sunscreens are not permitted to claim they need only be applied ‘once a day’.
- Sunscreens labelled with a ‘+’ after the SPF must provide at least the labelled SPF number in testing.
Why you should buy Australian sunscreen
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer during their lifetime.
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with over one million treatments given every year. With these statistics, it should come as no surprise why there is such a strong focus on proper sun protection across the country.
Because sun protection is a top priority in Australia, their products are often leaders in the market, developed with cutting-edge technologies and formulas that are consistently evolving.
When looking for sunscreen, choose an Australian-made product. Consider buying a broad-spectrum product and check it is on the registered list of TGA products you know contain the right ingredients and have been manufactured in appropriate locations.