SPF50+ sunscreen

In November 2012, the Therapeutic Goods Administration announced a new standard for sunscreens sold in Australia, increasing the maximum sun protection factor from SPF30+ to SPF50+.

The standard requires the same level of Ultra Violet B (UVB) protection, with improved Ultra Violet A (UVA) protection for new formulas.

UVB is the major cause of sunburn and increased skin cancer risk, while UVA contributes to ageing of the skin, as well as skin cancer risk.

The change brings Australia and New Zealand into line with the United States and Europe, where SPF50+ labelling is already allowed.

The new standard is likely to see SPF50+ sunscreens on pharmacy and supermarket shelves by mid-January 2013, though some could appear sooner.

What we recommend

Cancer Council recommends using any sunscreen that is labelled broad spectrum, water-resistant and SPF30 or above.
So there is no need to get rid of your current SPF30+ sunscreens, providing they are broad spectrum, water-resistant and have not passed their expiry date.
Manufacturers will be allowed to continue producing and selling their current formulations. The new standard applies to new products only. It offers marginally better protection and a little more choice.

What were the changes?
	Old SPF30+	New SPF30	SPF50+
UVB protection (sunburn and skin cancer)	96.7%	96.7%	98%
UVB protection (sunburn and skin cancer) in 'broad spectrum' sunscreens	Included	Improved	Improved
Application	Every two hours and after swimming, exercising or towel drying	Every two hours and after swimming, exercising or towel drying	Every two hours and after swimming, exercising or towel drying

Whether using SPF30, SPF30+ or SPF50+, application is the key. On an average sized adult, approximately 35mL should be applied, or the equivalent of one teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm, leg, front of body, back of body and face (including neck and ears). Most people apply less than half this amount, which means they get far less protection than the SPF as stated on the bottle.