SPF50+ now an Aussie reality
November 14, 2012
TODAY marks a new era in sun
protection, with the authorisation
of SPF 50+ sunscreens in Australia.
The move has been welcomed by
the Pharmacy Guild of Australia,
with National President Kos Sclavos
saying that SPF50+ sunscreens
offer greater protection against
both UVA and UVB radiation.
The Guild was however cautious,
adding that whilst there is a higher
SPF, new 50+ sunscreens should be
used in the same way as the 30+
sunscreens.
“All sunscreens should be applied
liberally and re-applied every two
hours as they may rub off
through towelling, swimming or
perspiration,” a statement from the
Guild said.
Speaking out this week in the lead
up to the official authorisation
Guild National President Kos
Sclavos said “While the SPF
indicates the level of UV
protection, people with sensitive
skin and children need to consider
other factors when selecting a
sunscreen, and everybody should
continue to be smart about their
exposure to the sun”.
Sclavos also urged Australian
consumers to refer to their
community pharmacist for
sunscreen and sun protection
advice.
Discussing the expanded
sunscreen regulations the
Parliamentary Secretary for Health
and Ageing, Catherine King said
that the new standard recognises
that there have been some
“significant developments in
sunscreen technology in recent
years that allow manufacturers to
produce and test sunscreens with
higher level SPF ratings”.
“Consumers will have a greater
choice of sun protection products
but while SPF 50+ sunscreens will
provide better broad spectrum
performance, this does not mean
you are completely protected from
the harmful effects of the sun,” she
said.
“You still have to be Sun Smart,”
she added.
The new standard brings
Australia in line with the United
States, some European countries
and New Zealand that already
allow SPF50+ labelling.
MEANWHILE the TGA has begun
the process of accepting
applications from sunscreen
suppliers and manufacturers for
these new SPF 50+ products to be
added to the shelves.
As such, it is expected that
supplies will begin appearing in
pharmacies before December this
year.
For more information on the
changes, visit the TGA website at
www.tga.gov.au.
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