The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has issued a joint message with the Cancer Council of Victoria advising against the use of aerosol sunscreens.
The two Agencies urge that Australians stick with creams and lotions for UV protection.
Their advice follows a recent study conducted by Griffith University that found the effectiveness of applying aerosol sprays was impacted by wind conditions.
The University’s research tested five commercially-available aerosol sunscreen products in Australia in controlled laboratory environments which simulated the application of aerosol sunscreen during wind.
Senior Research Fellow at Griffith University, Elke Hacker said the study found that a large percentage of the sunscreen did not reach the skin when being sprayed at the recommended distance.
Dr Hacker said these findings followed previous research showing aerosol sprays were not as effective as creams or lotions as it was difficult to know how much sunscreen was dispensed with each spray.
“ARPANSA recommends that users opt for other products with a more reliable application method, like a cream or a lotion,” she said.
Director of Assessment and Advice for ARPANSA, Rick Tinker said skin cancer impacted one in three Australians and sunscreen was the key to prevention.
“Knowing how much sunscreen you are applying is important,” Dr Tinker said.
“Protecting Australians from the harmful effects of UV radiation is a core part of ARPANSA’s role and this research helps us understand the efficacy of sunscreen products,” he said.
