When should I apply sunscreen?
When should I apply sunscreen?
When is the correct time to apply sunscreen?
You should apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives the product adequate time to absorb properly, so it will work more effectively and be less likely to wear off, either from your clothing, during travel, or from physical activity.
How often should I reapply my sunscreen?
You should reapply your sunscreen every two hours. If you go swimming, or engage in physical activity where your sunscreen may sweat off, you should towel dry and reapply immediately.
Be sure to check out the rest of our sunscreen application recommendations to ensure you’re applying correctly.
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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.
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.
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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.