MORE ABOUT SUNSCREEN - HOW DO SUNSCREENS WORK? THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF SUNSCREEN INGREDIENTS: 1 Absorbers which absorb most of the UV, and 2 Reflectors that scatter most of the UV away from your skin. Some sunscreens utilise both absorbing and reflecting ingredients. Examples of reflecting ingredients include Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide. UV absorbers use ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor and Butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane. WHAT DOES SPF MEAN? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF relates to the amount of time it takes for redness to appear on the skin compared to when no product is used at all. The test is done in a laboratory. For example, if it takes 10 minutes for unprotected skin to show redness, then an SPF30 sunscreen correctly applied, in theory, will take 30 times longer or 300 minutes to burn. However, it is hard to achieve this level of protection in real life - factors such as skin type, ultraviolet (UV) levels, swimming/drying and how much sunscreen you apply can affect the level of protection. That’s why we always recommend applying liberally every two hours or after swimming, sweating or towel drying. It is also important to apply 20 minutes beforehand before being exposed to UV. To maximise the protective benefit of sunscreen, apply as directed (see below) and whenever possible in conjunction with other sun protection measures such as protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. When UV levels are at their highest, the most effective protection is to seek shade. WHAT DOES BROAD SPECTRUM MEAN? Broad spectrum sunscreens offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays, the two types of harmful ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. UVB is the principal cause of sunburn, but both UVA and UVB contribute to increased skin cancer risk.
HOW SHOULD I APPLY SUNSCREEN? Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before exposure to UV in order to create the intended protective barrier. It should be applied liberally and evenly to clean and dry skin. For an adult, the recommended application is 5ml (approximately one teaspoon) for each arm, leg, body front, body back and face (including neck and ears). That equates to a total of 35ml (approximately seven teaspoons) for a full body application. Sunscreen should always be reapplied at least every two hours, irrespective of the water resistance of the sunscreen. Swimming, sport, sweating and towel drying can reduce the effectiveness of the product, so sunscreen should always be reapplied after these activities. IS SUNSCREEN ENOUGH? Sunscreen should never be used as the only line of defence against sun damage. It is also important to remember that sunburn is caused by UV radiation, which is not related to temperature. WHENEVER THE UV INDEX IS 3 OR ABOVE, BE SURE TO: • Slip on some sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible - this offers the best protection • Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ (or higher) sunscreen • Slap on a hat - broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears • Seek shade • Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian standards.
124 I PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT CATALOGUE VOL 2
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