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Are you using enough?

The majority of people use only a quarter of the recommended amount of sunscreen, substantially reducing its effectiveness. If you're not using this much — about six teaspoons (every time you put sunscreen on your whole body), you're probably not getting enough protection from UV.

 Getting the most out of your sunscreen

    •    Use the recommended amount.
    •    Apply it to clean, dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun.
    •    Cover all parts of the body not protected by clothing (don't forget ears, neck, hands, knees and the tops of your feet).
    •    Apply it evenly.
    •    Don't rub it in vigorously — most sunscreens will absorb into the skin and need only to be spread around.
    •    Reapply it at least once every two hours, and after swimming or exercise.
    •    Store it at less than 25°C. Don't leave it in the glove box of your car or in the sun. Keep it in the esky with the drinks, in the shade or wrapped in a towel.
    •    If it 'separates', gets gluggy or passes its use-by date, throw it out.

What to buy

    •    The Australian Cancer Society recommends using SPF 30+ sunscreen.
    •    The cheapest SPF 30+ sunscreen should provide you with the same protection as the most expensive. An advantage of a cheap one is that you're likely to use more of it.

Safe in the sun?

    •    Childhood exposure to sun is the highest risk factor for developing skin cancer.
    •    Sunscreens are only a secondary defence against UV damage and are unlikely on their own to give you enough protection against UVA, which is thought to be at least partly responsible for melanoma. But that doesn't mean you should stop using them.
    •    For extra protection avoid the sun between 11am and 2pm, and always wear a hat and cover up in the sun.

Information sourced from Choice Magazine