Sunscreen Application Safety
As part of our Sense in the Sun campaign we will be sharing all our tips and
tricks for staying sun safe when you are out and about during the hot summer
days.
We recommend use of sunscreens with the
maximum allowable sunscreen protection factor (SPF) of 50 for both types of
harmful UV rays, UVA and UVB.
UVB rays cause sunburn and an increased risk
of developing skin cancer. UVA contributes to the ageing of the skin, and also increases
the risk of skin cancer. So make sure your sunscreen is providing you and your
family with the best sun protection possible.
Protecting your skin should be your number
one priority to stay safe whilst out in the sun. There is no such thing as a
healthy tan… but there is such a thing as having fun in the sun. Follow these
application tips to stay safe in the sun and protect your skin.
Check your sunscreen’s expiry date because
your supply from last year may be past its best. Remember that a hot car is not
the ideal storage environment and this may affect the sun-protection quality of
your sunscreen.
Shake well and use at least a tablespoonful of
sunscreen for each limb, and the front and back of your body. Then you’ll need
approximately a half a teaspoon for your face, neck and ears. You can’t use too
much sunscreen. Make sure every part of your body is adequately covered. Remember,
you MUST keep re-applying your sunscreen throughout the day about every two
hours. You will also need to re-apply right after swimming, after exercise and after
drying your body with a towel.
You might remember Slip! Slop! Slap! – The
iconic and now internationally recognised sun protection campaign that started
in Australia in the 1980s. This taught us to Slip on a shirt, Slop on some
sunscreen and Slap on a hat. The extended version now includes ‘Seek shade or
shelter and Slide on some sunnies’. Take all these important steps to stay safe
and sunburn free this summer.
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