Aerosol sunscreen a waste of money, warn skin cancer experts
AUSTRALIANS are being warned to shun aerosol sunscreens after new findings reveal they do not provide effective sun protection when applied on windy days.
New research from the Cancer Council, Griffith University and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency found environmental factors like the wind dramatically lowered the ability of aerosol sunscreen to effectively provide protection against UV rays.
The study found up to 79 per cent of sunscreen was lost due to wind gusts as low as 10km/h, while more than 90 per cent was lost in winds of 20km/h.
Wind velocities of 10 to 20km/h are commonly experienced at many popular Australian beaches and are considered “light” and “moderate” wind conditions, according to the weather bureau.
A person applying sunscreen on a windy day would need to spray an aerosol sunscreen for more than four minutes on each arm and leg to achieve the SPF (sun protection factor).
Cancer Council head of Sunsmart and national skin cancer committee chairwoman Heather Walker said Australians could be wasting more than 90 per cent of the total aerosol bottle cost when applying aerosol sunscreen in moderately windy conditions.
“The study found that four of the five sunscreen products tested would require more than one bottle to provide adequate full body coverage in 20km/h wind conditions,” she said.
ARPANSA assessment and advice director Dr Rick Tinker said Australians should opt for sunscreen lotions and creams instead.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration previously announced it would be reviewing the efficacy of aerosol sunscreens.