WITH new SPF50+ sunscreen set to hit the market soon, health experts have warned
that the slight increase in protective ratings does not replace proper
application procedures.
Earlier this month the Therapeutic Goods
Administration passed a new standard allowing manufacturers to increase the sun
protection factor in sunscreens from SPF30+ to SPF50+.
Cancer Council
Australia Skin Cancer Committee chair Terry Slevin said he welcomed the new
standard, but warned consumers not to overestimate the new level of
protection.
“Despite the big difference in SPF numbers on the label, in fact
the new SPF50+ sunscreen offers marginally better protection from UVB radiation,
which causes sunburn and adds to skin cancer risk,” Mr Slevin said.
For more on this story, see Friday’s edition of The Guardian (30/11/12).
