Can I still get sunburned if I apply sunscreen?

One of the most common consumer complaints is that of people being sunburnt even after applying sunscreen. When this happens, invariably the consumer suspects that there is something wrong with ‘that particular batch of sunscreen’ or that ‘there are insufficient active ingredients in the sunscreen’.

The manufacture of sunscreens is strictly regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA) of Australia , and part of this process is that all batches of sunscreen that are produced are thoroughly tested to ensure that the TGA approved formula is adhered to and that the quantity of approved active ingredients is present before they are released to the public.

In all cases that have been investigated, where a consumer has been sunburned after applying sunscreen, it has invariably been found to be due to applying insufficient sunscreen and/or not reapplying sunscreen often enough.

The labels of most sunscreen products include statements such as “reapply frequently” or “reapply generously after 2 hours exposure “. The Cancer Council of Australia sunscreen labels even go one step further. By stating in the DIRECTIONS, “1 teaspoon full per body part, per application, which equates to 35mls (or approximately 7 teaspoons full) for a full body application for an average sized adult” we are trying to better quantitated the minimum amount of sunscreen that should be used and to impress upon the consumer the importance of using sufficient sunscreen. That means that a normal 110ml tube of sunscreen is only sufficient for 3 full adult body applications!

In theory, this should mean that sunscreens will continue to provide adequate protection from sun burn if applied as directed. However, there are a number of well-known variables which could affect the ability of the sunscreen to protect users from sun burn. Among the variables that can cause the ‘dilution’ or removal of sunscreen on the skin are a variety of physical activities such as surfing, water skiing, swimming, towelling, wiping, perspiring, putting on and taking off of clothing, applying sunscreen to wet or sandy skin, etc. That is why it is imperative that sunscreens be RE-APPLIED at least EVERY 2 HOURS irrespective of the water resistance rating of the sunscreen.