No 1.
SUNSCREEN QUESTION
Have you been sunburnt after using sunscreen? Here we explain what some sunscreen users are doing wrong.
Your skin cancer risk factors.
Have you ever been sunburnt after using sunscreen? Our researchers conducted some research and found - yes - it can happen! Slip ups can sometimes occur. We get it and we want to help you make sure it doesn't happen again. No one likes the feeling of sunburnt skin and the damage it causes.
Perhaps the sunscreen was not applied often enough or thick enough (you really need to slap on a generous amount). It's also super important to reapply every 2 hours. Sometimes the sunscreen bottle may say 4 hours water resistant, but you should still reapply every 2 hours.
In many cases it's possible you may have forgot to put sunscreen on a sun exposed body part. Apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing. Skin cancers can occur on the scalp and it's important to take extra precautions by wearing hats and applying sunscreen to this area, especially if you have thinning hair or are bald.
Sometimes when it's cloudy outside and cold in winter we may put less or no sunscreen on. Be sure to make sunscreen use a habit year round and apply sunscreen every day when the UV index is over 3.
Why was I sunburnt after using sunscreen?
Be aware of aerosol sunscreens
If using an aerosol sunscreen, apply until an even sheen appears on the skin. Don't apply aerosol sunscreens directly to the face, but first spray into the hands and then apply. Don't be like the guy in the picture!
Aerosol sunscreens are the most expensive way to buy sunscreen. Some aerosol products contain less than half sunscreen, with the rest being propellent. That means only half the can has actual sunscreen in it!
The Cancer Council reports that it can be extremely difficult to get good levels of UV protection from these aerosol products, leaving many Aussies at risk of sunburn. Perhaps stick to pump or squeeze tubes, but our philosophy is always any sunscreen is better than none!
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