Focus on sun block
By Charlotte Middleton and Tahlia Middleton, Year 9, TAS
YEAR 9 students from Trinity Anglican School last term conducted a science assignment that investigated the effectiveness of different types of sunscreens against UV light by finding out which one blocks out the most UV.
We conducted this experiment by using a UV torch and sensor which connected to our laptops and recorded the data.
We took several readings of different sunscreen brands, sunscreen thickness and compared sunscreen with and without water.
We then analysed the data to find which sunscreen blocked out the most UV.
From our experiment, we concluded that one of the important facts to consider when using or buying a sunscreen is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
When talking about SPF, the higher the better, because it indicates the effectiveness of the sunscreen in protecting your skin against UVB.
It is also important to consider whether or not the sunscreen is water resistant, which indicates how long the SPF level is effective while in the water.
However, UVA and UVB are both harmful UV rays that damage the skin so the most important factor to consider when buying/using sunscreen is whether or not it is a broad spectrum sunscreen, meaning it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays.
Our research found that it doesn’t matter if you use the cheapest SPF 50+ sunscreen or the most expensive SPF 50+ sunscreen, because all sunscreens must be listed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and tested by the Australian standard AS/ NZS 2604:2012 meaning they should provide the same protection.
Overall we enjoyed learning about the purpose of sunscreen and investigating which types of sunscreens would block out the most UV rays.
This topic is relevant to us, our families and the general community because of the harsh sun in Cairns throughout most of the year.
This means we should look after our skin and use high SPF rated broad spectrum sunscreen.