Sun Facts
The Original Seateepee $189.50AUD + $13.50AUD p&h
What is SPF?
SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’. SPF is a number on a scale for rating sun protection.
The SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to cause sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause sunburn on unprotected skin.
The SPF number is only a guide to the strength of the sunscreen. In theory, an SPF30+ would provide you with 30 times more protection than if you were to go out without sunscreen. However, how long a person will take to burn depends on the time of day, the time of year, the amount of reflection, how cloudy it is and their skin type. It is almost impossible to calculate all these things in everyday situations.
The highest SPF for sunscreen available in Australia is SPF30+. The SPF30+ rating has been set by Standards Australia. In laboratory conditions SPF30+ sunscreen filters around 97% of UV radiation. However, many Australians apply too little sunscreen. This means they usually get less than half the protection stated on the product label.
Sunscreens with an SPF rating of 4 and above are listed on the Australian Register of the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Products can only be listed on the register if they comply with the Australian/New Zealand Standard for sunscreen products (AS/NZS 2604).
Sunscreen should not be used to extend the time you spend in the sun, and should always be used with other sun protection measures: shade, clothing, hats and sunglasses.
For more information on skin cancer and sun protection, visit the Cancer Council Australia at www.cancer.org.au or call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.