Sunscreens are safe, effective to use as defense against skin cancer

May 7 2019

The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) today reassured Australians that sunscreens are safe and effective to use as a line of defence against skin cancer.

The results of the study released yesterday should not undermine public confidence in sunscreens.

The study did not replicate real-world conditions and was based upon a very small sample size of just 24 people.”

Mr Steve Scarff, ASMI’s Regulatory & Legal Affairs Director

“As noted in the study, these results do not indicate that individuals should refrain from the use of sunscreen”

In Australia, sunscreens are regulated as medicines and must comply with the high standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Active ingredients must be evaluated for their safety by the TGA before they are approved for use in sunscreens and the emerging evidence is regularly reviewed to confirm their continued safety.

“Sunscreen is proven to reduce the incidence of melanoma and other skin cancers if applied regularly and liberally as directed on the label, alongside other skin protection measures.”

“Ground-breaking University of Queensland research found that regular sunscreen use resulted in reduced melanoma rates. And recently, experts recommended that Australians should wear sunscreen every single day and apply it as part of their morning routine.”

Source: https://www.chpaustralia.com.au/Home