Sun protection factor (SPF) labelling provides a reasonable indication of the effectiveness of sunscreens. The higher the number, the more time we can spend in the sun before burning – well that’s the theory anyway. The reality is that the protection will depend on a number of factors such as how well the sunscreen is applied and the formulation of the product itself (e.g., degree of water resistance).

Since 1998 the highest SPF label permitted has been 30+ (previously it had been 15+). It is now likely that a new maximum level of 50+ will be approved this year.

It’s a somewhat controversial move, because although it will allow us to more clearly differentiate between different sunscreens, the extra protection provided between 30+ and 50+ is minimal.

Perhaps more important for adequate protection is that sunscreens be applied in sufficient quantity and reapplied every two hours .It’s also important that we choose a sunscreen that has protection from the broad spectrum of ultraviolet (UV) rays. SPF ratings are measured on the burning UVB rays, but other wavelengths of ultraviolet light (e.g., UVA) can be carcinogenic too. Sunscreens are usually made up of a combination of chemical and physical UV filters. The physical filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are particularly valuable because of their ability to filter both UVA and UVB light.

When incorporated into sunscreens in their coarse powder form zinc oxide and titanium dioxide give the skin a white colour; so they are now generally used in microfined, so-called nanoparticle form. Despite some concerns expressed about the use of nanoparticles in industry, there is currently no evidence to suggest that use of nanoparticles in sunscreens causes damage to skin cells.

Remember the adverse effects of sunlight on the skin are cumulative. The damage on and beneath the skin is building up, even without burning.

Research undertaken by the Cancer Council and the Australian Department of Health and Aging shows that it’s not just the day, or even several days, at the beach that causes the most sun damage to our skin. The many days spent involved with everyday activities, without adequate protection from the sun, might be even more dangerous. And with most states in Australia now “saving daylight”, there is the possibility we will have more usable leisure time in the sunshine.

If you’re 55 years old or more, you were probably in your 30s when the need for skin protection became well recognised; and most of the damage to your skin had already taken place.

Of course, it’s not too late to look after your skin now; but you also need to check your skin regularly for any new spots or a change in appearance of those existing spots.

If you must have a tan, a fake tan is the best option. There are a number of products your pharmacist can recommend which offer a much safer alternative to the sun-induced variety. But, remember, the colour from a fake tan does not provide protection against UV radiation. And fake tan products that contain a sunscreen only provide protection for a few hours after application – not for the duration of the tan.

You can get more advice and a Sense in the Sun Fact Card on how to stay sun smart this summer, from pharmacies providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information. Phone 1300 360 772 for the location of your nearest Self Care pharmacy or check out the Pharmaceutical Society website at www.psa.org.au and click on Self Care Pharmacy Finder.

©2010 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

Solariums generally provide a faster way of ensuring the skin is traumatised, leading to the sometimes fatal consequences. So, preventing the use of solariums by fair skinned people, and limiting the intensity of the UV rays the solariums can emit, are regulations that are long overdue. Sadly, we can’t rely on common sense to prevent skin cancer. As the Cancer Council advertisements state: “there is no such thing as a safe tan”.

In recent years, the debate over vitamin D deficiency has clouded the issue of benefits and risks of sunshine.

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin. Usually we don’t get a sufficient amount from our diet. We depend on exposure to the sun to stimulate our own body’s production of vitamin D.

It was well over 100 years ago that researchers recognised the relationship between the then common bone disease, rickets, and sunlight. Sunlight was thought to have had many other health benefits too. So, given that most of the research at that time was undertaken in the often dark and dreary countries of the northern hemisphere, it seemed reasonable to expect a good dose of sunshine might cure a multitude of ills.

A little sunshine is very beneficial; but a large dose, or even a moderate dose taken over and over again, can be as dangerous as the most potent poison.

Sunlight is composed of several different types of electromagnetic radiation: infrared, ultraviolet (UV) and visible light. Infrared and visible light rays make up the majority of solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface, and whilst there is some evidence that both may be involved in long-term skin damage, it is the UV radiation that is the most dangerous.

The amount of UV radiation reaching the earth, and therefore our bodies if they get in the way, is greatest at the equator and UV levels are greatest when the sun is closest to the earth – at midday and during the summer months.

In the UK, in Scandinavia and in other parts of northern Europe, where for most of the year sunshiny days are a rare occurrence, skin cancer is also comparatively rare and vitamin D deficiency more common. In Australia, the reverse applies.

Just living in Australia means most of us get enough of the sun to generate sufficient vitamin D. But there is certainly a significant minority of Australian residents where the low levels of vitamin D put them at an increased risk of osteoporosis – the brittle bone disease.

Most at risk are dark-skinned people, older people (especially those who spend much of their lives, day and night, indoors) and those people, usually women, who for cultural or religious reasons keep covered up when outdoors.

How then do we balance what might seem to be conflicting advice as to how much sun to take in?

Firstly, protection from the sun is definitely necessary, particularly in summer and particularly for those couple of hours either side of midday. If you can’t stay in the shade, make your own with long sleeves and a broad brimmed hat. The exposed parts need a sunscreen. It should be one with an SPF of 30+ (you’ll still get a tan if that’s what you want).

With regard to the vitamin D issue; the answer is a triple T activity. That is “tank-top for ten minutes”. In other words during summer you should be able to stimulate sufficient vitamin D production by exposing face, arms and shoulders for no more than 10 minutes a day. This applies just about anywhere in Australia. In the winter time, depending on where you live 20-40 minutes “tank-top” exposure might be necessary.

If none of this is possible, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a vitamin D supplement. Remember, as well, sunscreens only work when applied properly.

For more information ask for the Fact Card titled Sense in the Sun from Self Care pharmacies. Phone the Pharmaceutical Society on 1300 369 772 for the nearest location; or check out the pharmacy finder on the Society’s website.

©2009 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

Australia has the world’s highest rate of skin cancer with about 400,000 people being diagnosed with the condition each year; of this number there are around 1600 deaths. So there is the potential for many lives to be saved.

Professor Ian Frazer, former Australian of the Year, has led the research team in developing the vaccine for skin cancer. And as with the jab now given to millions of young girls each year to prevent cervical cancer (the vaccine for which was also developed by Professor Frazer), children between the ages of 10 and 12 would be offered the skin cancer vaccine.

However, as promising as this sounds, it is certainly no cure for skin cancer. Firstly, the vaccine is likely to be effective against only one of the skin cancers, namely so-called squamous cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell is the second most common skin cancer. Less common, but more deadly are melanomas; and it’s yet to be determined as to whether the vaccine will offer any protection against melanomas.

Secondly, it is likely to be many years before the vaccine has been proven suitable and safe and generally available for human use.

Meanwhile, protecting the skin from UV radiation (that is sunlight) is the best course of action. And remember, the adverse effects of sunlight on the skin are cumulative. The damage on and beneath the skin is building up, even without burning.

Research undertaken by the Cancer Council and the Australian Department of Health and Aging shows that it’s not just the day, or even several days, at the beach that causes the most sun damage to our skin. The many days spent involved with everyday activities, without adequate protection from the sun, might be even more dangerous. And with most states in Australia now “saving daylight”, there is the possibility we will have more usable leisure time in the sunshine.

Results of the survey indicated that Australians were much more likely to get sunburnt at home than anywhere else. So even “accidental tanning” is a risky business.

Perhaps that’s not so surprising. The survey showed that while around 8% of Australians regularly went to the beach at the weekend, nearly 30% spent time gardening or working around the house.

If you’re 55 years old or more, you were probably in your 30s when the need for skin protection became well recognised; and most of the damage to your skin had already taken place.

Of course, it’s not too late to look after your skin now; but you also need to check your skin regularly for any new spots or a change in appearance of those existing spots.

If you must have a tan, a fake tan is the best option. There are a number of products your pharmacist can recommend which offer a much safer alternative to the sun-induced variety. But, remember, the colour from a fake tan does not provide protection against UV radiation. And fake tan products that contain a sunscreen only provide protection for a few hours after application – not for the duration of the tan.

You can get more advice and a Sense in the Sun Fact Card on how to stay sun smart this summer, from pharmacies providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information. Phone 1300 369 772 for the location of your nearest Self Care pharmacy.

Over the next few months, whether or not you live where the clocks have been adjusted, there will certainly be enough sunny weather to cause sun-related skin problems. It’s timely, therefore, that now at the beginning of summer, Cancer Council Australia launches National Skin Cancer Action Week.

You would think that by now, every one of us would have got the message about UV exposure, but still there are people who mistakenly believe there is such a thing as a safe tan. According to the Cancer Council, deliberate tanning results in body art of the most dangerous kind. In Australia nearly 400,000 people are treated each year for skin cancer; around 1500 die.

To the original three S’s in the slogan, another S has been added – to ensure even greater awareness of the need for protection from the sun. As well as the recommendation to slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen, we should also slide on some sunglasses (make sure they meet the Australian Standard AS1067).

The “Slip, Slap, Slop” Campaign has worked well to increase our awareness of the dangers of sun exposure; but only up to a point. Apparently most of us know to protect ourselves at the beach or swimming pool, however, we forget to take the same precautions working or socialising outdoors at home.

Research undertaken by the Cancer Council and the Australian Department of Health and Aging shows that it’s not just the day, or even several days, at the beach that causes sun damage to our skin. The many days spent involved with everyday activities, without adequate protection from the sun, might be even more dangerous.

Results of the survey indicated that Australians were much more likely to get sunburnt at home than anywhere else. So even “accidental tanning” is a risky business.

Perhaps that’s not so surprising. The survey showed that while around 8% of Australians regularly went to the beach at the weekend, nearly 30% spent time gardening or working around the house.

If you’re 55 years old or more, you were probably in your 30s when the need for skin protection became well recognised; and most of the damage to your skin had already taken place.

Of course, it’s not too late to look after your skin now; but you also need to check your skin regularly for any new spots or a change in appearance of those existing spots.

You can get more advice and a Sense in the Sun Fact Card on how to stay sun smart this summer, from pharmacies providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information. Phone 1300 369 772 for the location of the nearest Self Care pharmacy.

If you must have a tan, a fake tan is the best option. There are a number of products your pharmacist can recommend which offer a much safer alternative to the sun-induced variety. But, remember, the colour from a fake tan does not provide protection against UV radiation. And fake tan products that contain a sunscreen only provide protection for a few hours after application – not for the duration of the tan.

©2007 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia