Sunscreen Myths and Facts: Protecting Your Skin This Summer
January 13, 2026
With recent product recalls and viral posts sparking SPF fear, experts are sharing the truth about sunscreen and busting some myths. After CHOICE tested 20 popular products and found 16 didn't meet SPF claims, the TGA stepped in, leading to recalls and social media buzz. Influencers suddenly tossed their SPF, warning followers it couldn't be trusted. But most panic is based on misunderstandings, and skipping sunscreen is riskier than using it.
Australia has the highest skin cancer rate globally, with two in three Aussies diagnosed in their lifetime, according to Christine Morris, Senior Manager of Prevention at Cancer Council SA. Fortunately, skin cancer is almost entirely preventable, and sunscreen plays a crucial role in protection, but it should be the last line of defense in your sun protection routine.
Yes, a few sunscreens were recalled, but most are still fine. CHOICE tested a group of mineral sunscreens with a faulty base formula, leading to voluntary recalls or pauses. However, there are over 900 TGA-approved sunscreens on the Australian market, and the TGA continues to encourage their use on days with UV 3 or above.
Sunscreen is a vital cancer prevention tool, but only when used with other sun protection steps. Check the UV level with the free SunSmart Global UV app for the best protection. Sunscreen also protects your looks by preventing wrinkles, sagging, and sunspots caused by UV radiation, which can undo skincare efforts in just 15 minutes.
Using active skincare? SPF is even more critical. Ingredients like retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and exfoliating acids make your skin more sun-sensitive. SPF50+ is essential, paired with a hat and sunglasses.
Sunscreen works, but only if used properly. Most people don't use enough. Use about one teaspoon (5ml) of sunscreen for the face, neck, and ears when the UV is 3 or above. For full-body protection, use around seven teaspoons. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours or more often if swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Don't forget easy-to-miss spots like ears, hairlines, lips, hands, and the back of your neck.
Sunscreen, even when reapplied, can't offer complete UV protection. Use it alongside protective clothing, broad-brimmed hats, shade, and sunglasses for better defense. The five-step sun protection routine is: slip on long-sleeved clothing, slop on SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on wraparound sunglasses meeting Australian standards.
Don't be perfect, but the more consistently you follow all five steps, the better your protection. Let's debunk some common myths:
- "Makeup with SPF is enough." You'd need to apply way more than usual to match the label's SPF. Use real sunscreen underneath.
- "Dark skin doesn't need sunscreen." Melanin provides some protection, but it's not enough. UV causes long-term damage, including cancer, regardless of skin tone.
- "Fake tan protects you from the sun." It doesn't. Research shows fake tan users aren't better at sun safety, and some wrongly believe it offers SPF-like protection.
- "Sunscreen causes cancer." There's no credible evidence for this. Regular sunscreen use reduces the risk of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and other skin cancers.
- "Sunscreen blocks vitamin D." Most Aussies get enough vitamin D through incidental exposure. Sunscreen doesn't block it completely.
For more sunscreen and sun safety facts, visit the Cancer Council website. This story was originally published on The Post, a media partnership between the Government of South Australia and Solstice Media to inform young South Australians about life-affecting policies.
