Is there a safe way to tan?
There is no such thing as a safe or protective tan; any tan at all is a sign of skin damage.
What happens when I tan?
Tanning of human skin is one of our natural defense mechanisms and comes from the body’s attempt to repair any damage and prevent further injury caused by overexposure to the sun. Overuse of this defense mechanism could potentially lead to imperfect or incomplete repairs, resulting in gene defects and ultimately the formation of skin cancer.
Will a ‘base tan’ protect me from skin cancer?
Any tan is an indicator of overexposure to the sun. Although many factors play a role, it is generally accepted that people with naturally darker skin have a stronger natural defence mechanism to skin damage from the sun. This is due to darker skin having more eumelanin, a dark pigment that helps control our hair, eye, and skin colour. Eumelanin is naturally protective and levels are dictated by our natural skin colour.
A lighter skinned person will always have less ability to produce the protective eumelanin than a dark skinned person. While a “base tan” might offer a modest increase in sun protection, its development is proof that our natural defence mechanism has been activated. Frequent activation of this defence could lead to overuse and ultimately the formation of skin cancer.
Baby sunscreen lotion
SPF 50 + Roll-on
Available sizes: 150ml / 200ml / 400ml
Related articles
Can I use sunscreen on babies under 6 months?
Parents should consult a doctor before using sunscreen with babies under six months old.
When should I apply sunscreen?
You should apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives the product adequate time to absorb properly.
What are the often-missed spots?
Be sure to pay attention to them, as cumulative damage if you miss these spots too often can lead to skin cancer.
What is the proper amount of sunscreen to use?
When using spray sun screens, you need to take a bit more care to ensure you are using enough product.
5 steps to sun protection
Sunscreen is just one of the steps in your family’s sun safe routine. You should also apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun, re-apply, wear protective clothing and seek shade.
Banana Boat’s Sun Safety Regime
Sunscreen is just one of the steps in your family's sun safe routine. You should also avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and reapply. Watch now!
How to apply aerosol sunscreen
How you apply aerosol sunscreen matters. To get it right, read this quick guide for safe fun in the sun.
How to apply sunscreen lotion
To keep you and your family sun safe, it's important you know how to apply sunscreen lotion correctly. Read our guide to make sure you're staying sun safe.
Sun safe tips
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Product science
Vivamus commodo gravida arcu, porta fermentum felis porttitor eu. Praesent eleifend, sem non ornare accumsan, lacus metus efficitur erat, quis lobortis nibh metus sit amet augue.
Banana Boat Face & Body UV Moisture
SPF50+
Available sizes: 120ml
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Face Tinted
SPF50+
Available sizes: 50g
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Face
SPF50+
Available sizes: 50g
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Body
SPF50+
Available sizes: 100g
Banana Boat Sport Pump
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 1L
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Clear Spray
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 175g
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Lotion 270ml
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 100ml, 180ml, 270ml
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Lotion 180ml
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 100ml, 180ml, 270ml
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Lotion 100ml
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 100ml, 180ml, 270ml
Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids Lotion Spray
SPF50+ Available sizes: 175g
Banana Boat busts sun safety myths
Banana Boat busts sun safety myths
How well do you know your sunscreen?
Did you know that SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor” and is a multiplier which tells you how much longer you can remain in the sun without burning when wearing a sunscreen?
Many Australians apply too little sunscreen, resulting in achieving an SPF of between 50-80% less than that specified on the product. Factors such as how much sunscreen you apply, the weather, and skin types will affect your level of protection.
Make sure you check the labels while purchasing and watch this video to make sure you’re using Banana Boat sunscreen correctly.
Baby sunscreen lotion
SPF 50 + Roll-on
Available sizes: 150ml / 200ml / 400ml
Related articles
Can I use sunscreen on babies under 6 months?
Parents should consult a doctor before using sunscreen with babies under six months old.
When should I apply sunscreen?
You should apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives the product adequate time to absorb properly.
What are the often-missed spots?
Be sure to pay attention to them, as cumulative damage if you miss these spots too often can lead to skin cancer.
What is the proper amount of sunscreen to use?
When using spray sun screens, you need to take a bit more care to ensure you are using enough product.
5 steps to sun protection
Sunscreen is just one of the steps in your family’s sun safe routine. You should also apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun, re-apply, wear protective clothing and seek shade.
Banana Boat’s Sun Safety Regime
Sunscreen is just one of the steps in your family's sun safe routine. You should also avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and reapply. Watch now!
How to apply aerosol sunscreen
How you apply aerosol sunscreen matters. To get it right, read this quick guide for safe fun in the sun.
How to apply sunscreen lotion
To keep you and your family sun safe, it's important you know how to apply sunscreen lotion correctly. Read our guide to make sure you're staying sun safe.
Sun safe tips
Quisque imperdiet, turpis vitae auctor faucibus, dui elit aliquam arcu, eu vulputate nibh tellus ac orci.
Product science
Vivamus commodo gravida arcu, porta fermentum felis porttitor eu. Praesent eleifend, sem non ornare accumsan, lacus metus efficitur erat, quis lobortis nibh metus sit amet augue.
Banana Boat Face & Body UV Moisture
SPF50+
Available sizes: 120ml
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Face Tinted
SPF50+
Available sizes: 50g
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Face
SPF50+
Available sizes: 50g
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Body
SPF50+
Available sizes: 100g
Banana Boat Sport Pump
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 1L
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Clear Spray
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 175g
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Lotion 270ml
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 100ml, 180ml, 270ml
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Lotion 180ml
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 100ml, 180ml, 270ml
Banana Boat Simply Protect Sport Lotion 100ml
SPF 50+ Available sizes: 100ml, 180ml, 270ml
Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids Lotion Spray
SPF50+ Available sizes: 175g
If I wear higher SPF, can I apply less often?
If I wear higher SPF, can I apply less often?
A higher SPF sunscreen does not mean you can apply less often. You still need to apply your sunscreen correctly, and reapply at regular intervals to prevent sunburn.
Research has shown that Australian consumers do not apply enough sunscreen to reach the SPF levels on sunscreen labelling – that means, even if you are using SPF50+, if you are not applying enough you will not have the protection you think you do!
Similarly, layering different SPFs does not add up to a higher SPF. Applying an SPF20+ on top of an SPF30+ does not mean you are wearing SPF 50 sunscreen.
Is higher SPF always better?
In short, yes. While there are many levels of SPF available, and some people burn less quickly than others, every one should be wearing SPF 30+ at minimum, but preferably SPF 50+ to ensure they are as protected as possible.
Remember: just because you don’t look or feel like you are becoming sunburnt, does not mean sun damage isn’t occurring.
Which SPF should I use?
You should always aim for a higher SPF, but a general guide is to consider how long you will be out in the sun, and your skin type, and choose an appropriate SPF for those circumstances.
Check out our sunscreen application tips for advice on proper sunscreen application so you can ensure you’re properly protected.
Related articles
Can I get sunburn on a cloudy day?
You can suffer sun damage even on a cloudy day. Believe it or not, up to 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog.
Will sunscreen block Vitamin D?
While we need Vitamin D, that doesn’t mean you should avoid sunscreen.
Does layering sunscreen increase SPF protection?
Layering two SPF does not add up to a higher level of protection. Using an SPF8 and SPF15 together won't allow you to remain in the sun 23 times longer than without protection.
Does higher SPF sunscreen contain more chemicals?
Higher SPF sunscreen does not contain more chemicals than sun lotions with lower SPF.
If I wear higher SPF, can I apply less often?
A higher SPF sunscreen does not mean you can apply less often.
Banana Boat busts sun safety myths
More than half of Australian parents have a low understanding of sunscreen and sun safety. Don’t be one of them with this handy video. Watch now!
Is there a safe way to tan?
Many people incorrectly believe that there is a safe way to get a sun tan.
Does higher SPF sunscreen contain more chemicals?
Does higher SPF sunscreen contain more chemicals?
Higher SPF sunscreen does not contain more chemicals than sun lotions with lower SPF.
Advances in sunscreen research and formulation has allowed Banana Boat to develop sunscreen products with equal or lower levels of active ingredients than Banana Boat formulated in previous years, so a higher SPF level does not equate to more chemicals.
What are the active ingredients?
Sunscreen ingredients can vary slightly across products, so it is important to check the label if you have any particular concerns such as allergies or sensitivities.
Should I use high SPF if I have sensitive skin?
You should always use the highest SPF possible to give you the best protection.
Banana Boat sensitive sunscreen range has been specially designed for sensitive skin to be gentle, yet effective, with a high SPF.
Related articles
Can I get sunburn on a cloudy day?
You can suffer sun damage even on a cloudy day. Believe it or not, up to 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog.
Will sunscreen block Vitamin D?
While we need Vitamin D, that doesn’t mean you should avoid sunscreen.
Does layering sunscreen increase SPF protection?
Layering two SPF does not add up to a higher level of protection. Using an SPF8 and SPF15 together won't allow you to remain in the sun 23 times longer than without protection.
Does higher SPF sunscreen contain more chemicals?
Higher SPF sunscreen does not contain more chemicals than sun lotions with lower SPF.
If I wear higher SPF, can I apply less often?
A higher SPF sunscreen does not mean you can apply less often.
Banana Boat busts sun safety myths
More than half of Australian parents have a low understanding of sunscreen and sun safety. Don’t be one of them with this handy video. Watch now!
Is there a safe way to tan?
Many people incorrectly believe that there is a safe way to get a sun tan.
Does layering sunscreen increase SPF protection?
Does layering sunscreen increase SPF protection?
Layering two SPF does not add up to a higher level of protection. Using an SPF8 and SPF15 together won’t allow you to remain in the sun 23 times longer than without protection. It’s not additive, and you should always aim for a higher SPF rather than a lower one to be sun safe.
The table below shows the level of protection you can expect from different SPF products, but please remember these are a general guide only and protection can vary based on application, outdoor conditions and physical activity. You need to determine how long you’ll be in the sun, along with your skin type, and choose the appropriate SPF level for you.
What does SPF mean?
SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and is a measure of how well a sun screen product protects the skin from UV radiation compared to unprotected skin. Broad spectrum sunscreens, like Banana Boat, protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Related articles
Can I get sunburn on a cloudy day?
You can suffer sun damage even on a cloudy day. Believe it or not, up to 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog.
Will sunscreen block Vitamin D?
While we need Vitamin D, that doesn’t mean you should avoid sunscreen.
Does layering sunscreen increase SPF protection?
Layering two SPF does not add up to a higher level of protection. Using an SPF8 and SPF15 together won't allow you to remain in the sun 23 times longer than without protection.
Does higher SPF sunscreen contain more chemicals?
Higher SPF sunscreen does not contain more chemicals than sun lotions with lower SPF.
If I wear higher SPF, can I apply less often?
A higher SPF sunscreen does not mean you can apply less often.
Banana Boat busts sun safety myths
More than half of Australian parents have a low understanding of sunscreen and sun safety. Don’t be one of them with this handy video. Watch now!
Is there a safe way to tan?
Many people incorrectly believe that there is a safe way to get a sun tan.
Will sunscreen block Vitamin D?
Will sunscreen block Vitamin D?
While it is true that sunscreen will block some of the Vitamin D provided by the sun, the benefits of using sunscreen far outweigh the benefits of receiving Vitamin D in this manner.
How can I get enough Vitamin D and stay sun safe?
According to the Cancer Council, regular use of sunscreen when the UV Index is 3 or above during normal daily activity should not stop you getting enough Vitamin D.
Related articles
Can I get sunburn on a cloudy day?
You can suffer sun damage even on a cloudy day. Believe it or not, up to 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog.
Will sunscreen block Vitamin D?
While we need Vitamin D, that doesn’t mean you should avoid sunscreen.
Does layering sunscreen increase SPF protection?
Layering two SPF does not add up to a higher level of protection. Using an SPF8 and SPF15 together won't allow you to remain in the sun 23 times longer than without protection.
Does higher SPF sunscreen contain more chemicals?
Higher SPF sunscreen does not contain more chemicals than sun lotions with lower SPF.
If I wear higher SPF, can I apply less often?
A higher SPF sunscreen does not mean you can apply less often.
Banana Boat busts sun safety myths
More than half of Australian parents have a low understanding of sunscreen and sun safety. Don’t be one of them with this handy video. Watch now!
Is there a safe way to tan?
Many people incorrectly believe that there is a safe way to get a sun tan.
Can I get sunburn on a cloudy day?
Can I get sunburn on a cloudy day?
You can suffer sun damage even on a cloudy day. Believe it or not, up to 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog, so even though you might feel more protected because you can’t feel the heat of the sun (or see your shadow!) you still need to practice sun safety and wear sun screen.
Can I use a lower SPF on cloudy days?
You should still use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on cloudy days. In fact, some research has shown that particular types of clouds can increase the focus of UV light, raising the risk factor.
Related articles
Can I get sunburn on a cloudy day?
You can suffer sun damage even on a cloudy day. Believe it or not, up to 80 per cent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog.
Will sunscreen block Vitamin D?
While we need Vitamin D, that doesn’t mean you should avoid sunscreen.
Does layering sunscreen increase SPF protection?
Layering two SPF does not add up to a higher level of protection. Using an SPF8 and SPF15 together won't allow you to remain in the sun 23 times longer than without protection.
Does higher SPF sunscreen contain more chemicals?
Higher SPF sunscreen does not contain more chemicals than sun lotions with lower SPF.
If I wear higher SPF, can I apply less often?
A higher SPF sunscreen does not mean you can apply less often.
Banana Boat busts sun safety myths
More than half of Australian parents have a low understanding of sunscreen and sun safety. Don’t be one of them with this handy video. Watch now!
Is there a safe way to tan?
Many people incorrectly believe that there is a safe way to get a sun tan.