Sunscreen is a lotion, spray or gel that forms a protective barrier on our bodies. It absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation that goes through our skin's surface.

Read DermNet's information on sunburn.

When used in combination with other methods of protection such as wearing clothing (including a wide-brimmed hat and close-fitting sunglasses) and sitting in shade, sunscreen will help protect against sunburn. Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can harm the skin. UV radiation can damage the DNA within skin cells, and over time this damage may lead to the development of skin cancer. A change in skin colour, such as tanning or sunburn, is a sign that skin damage is occurring. 

Sunburn occurs when the skin is burned by UV radiation. It often appears as pink or red discolouration and can be sensitive or painful to touch for many people. 

No matter how high the sunscreen's Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is, some of the sun's UV radiation can reach our skin.

Apply Sunscreen

Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.

Reapply at least every two hours - or more often if you have been swimming or sweating.

How much sunscreen to apply

An average-sized adult needs about seven teaspoons (35 mL) of sunscreen for one full body application.

For skin exposed to the sun, you should apply about one teaspoon of sunscreen to:

• your face, ears and neck
• each leg
• each arm
• the front of your body
• the back of your body.

Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF30. Broad-spectrum sunscreen reduces the intensity of both UVA and UVB radiation. No sunscreen provides 100% protection from UV radiation, however, a sunscreen with SPF30 will protect you from around 98% of UVB radiation. 

Reapply sunscreen often

Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.

Even if your sunscreen says it’s water resistant and will give you four hours of protection, reapply every two hours.

Sunscreen helps reduce exposure to UV radiation, but that’s all. It should not be used to increase the amount of time you can spend in the sun.

Check the use-by date

Check your sunscreen's label to confirm it isn’t past its use-by date (expired). Expired sunscreen may not provide protection from UV radiation. 

Store properly

Store your sunscreen according to the label's instructions.

As a guide, store your sunscreen:

• away from direct sunlight
• in a cool, dark place. 

Babies need protecting from the sun

Babies' skin is very fragile so try to keep them out of direct sunlight. This is especially important between 10am and 4pm from September to April.

We don't recommend use of sunscreen on babies under six months. They should be kept in the shade as much as possible.

Babies should always be protected by shade, clothing and broad-brimmed hats. 

Sunscreen should only be used on small areas of a baby's skin and should not be the only form of protection from the sun.

If you do use sunscreen on a baby make sure it is labelled for sensitive skin or suitable for children, and complete a patch test. 

Patch test

Do a 'patch test' before applying a new sunscreen. Apply a small amount of sunscreen on the inside of the forearm for a few days to check if the skin reacts, before applying it to the rest of the body. If any unusual reaction occurs, such as skin redness, swelling, itching or blistering, stop using the product and see your doctor. 

Some people can also develop an allergic reaction to sunscreen after repeated use. 

Sunscreen FAQs

Read some myths and questions about sunscreen.

When the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is 3 and above, for the best protection use all five SunSmart behaviours – Slip into clothing, Slip into shade, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, and Wrap on sunglasses.