Why our sunscreens are trustworthy
Australian sunscreens undergo some of the strictest regulations in the world. That’s because, Sunscreens are considered medicines in Australia and are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
What this means is that sunscreens sold in Australia must meet stringent criteria for safety and effectiveness to be approved for sale. Customers can be confident that their chosen sunscreen provides the protection that is labelled on the outer packaging.
Sunscreen use is crucial, mainly due to our high rates of skin cancer, largely caused by intense radiation from the UVA radiation from the sun. As Aussies culturally we spend a large portion of our time outside enjoying nature and our beautiful environment from the coast to the desert.
Decades of research and market use has shown that using sunscreen, along with other sun-protective measures, helps reduce the risk of sunburn, skin damage and ultimately, skin cancer.
What do we need to know about sunscreen regulation in Australia?
Sunscreens made in Australia, contain substances that either absorb or reflect the sun's UV rays and prevent most from penetrating the skin and damaging skin cells. Natio sunscreens are Broad-spectrum. Broad spectrum sunscreens filter both UVA and UVB rays. UVB is the principal cause of sunburn, but both UVA and UVB contribute to increased potential to damage skin.
Many Australians use sunscreen daily, generally over large areas of their body. At Natio, we believe it is important that sunscreens used in Australia are safe, effective and of good quality. Only approved ingredients can be included in sunscreens, and each of these ingredients has been assessed for safety.
The TGA requires the efficacy of each sunscreen product to be tested to determine the sun protection factor (SPF), which is printed on the label. Natio sunscreens are made in Australia by a reputable TGA accredited facility and are thoroughly tested to ensure that:
- they are safe
- the TGA-approved formula is adhered to
- the SPF claims on the packaging are exceeded; and
- that the quantity of approved active ingredients is present before they are released to the public.
How do I choose the best sunscreen for me?
At Natio, our sunscreens are also formulated with comfort in mind, being lightweight, non-greasy, and gentle on skin, so daily wear feels easy. After all, the best sunscreen is the one you want to wear every day. Check out our previous blog post to meet your perfect sunscreen format or learn more about the differences between traditional and physical sunscreens.
It is very important to use sunscreen correctly to ensure that you are receiving the required protection. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one component of sun protection. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent use and re-application in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection.
