Sunscreen — a doctor's practical guide

Sunscreen advice in Melbourne (Ivanhoe + Diamond Creek)

Daily sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to reduce sun damage, premature ageing, and your long-term risk of skin cancer — but it works best as part of a complete strategy: shade, clothing, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. ^(1–3)

If you’re not sure what to use, or you keep reacting to sunscreens, we can tailor a plan to your skin and lifestyle.

Or if you’re worried about a few specific spots: Targeted Skin Spot Check (up to 3 lesions)

Is sunscreen good for your skin?

For almost everyone, yes — when it’s used properly. Daily, correctly applied broad-spectrum sunscreen lowers your long-term risk of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis and melanoma) and reduces the sun damage and premature ageing that UV causes. ^(1–4)

The protection only holds if you put on enough and reapply — most people apply far less than they need, which quietly drops their real SPF. So whether sunscreen is “good for your skin” comes down to using it the way it was tested: see how to get sunscreen working properly below. It’s a supplement to shade, a hat and clothing, not a replacement for them. ^(1–3)

A small number of people find a particular sunscreen stings, triggers flushing, or brings on a rash. That’s almost always the formulation — not sunscreen itself — and switching to a mineral filter or a different product usually fixes it. If that’s you: sunscreen for rosacea, acne, eczema and pigment and sunscreen allergy and photoallergy. Worried it will affect your vitamin D? It’s a manageable balance — more in sunscreen and vitamin D.

When do you need sunscreen?

In Australia, the safest rule is: protect your skin when the UV Index is 3 or above — even if it’s cool, cloudy, or windy. UV is not the same as heat or brightness. ^(1–4)

If you have significant sun exposure (work, sport, boating, gardening), sun protection should be routine.

How to get sunscreen working properly

Most people don’t “fail sunscreen” — they under-apply and under-reapply.

• Choose SPF 50+, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant when outdoors. ^(1–3)
• Apply enough (most adults need more than they think).
• Reapply every 2 hours outside, and after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. ^(1–3)

If you want the step-by-step method: How to apply sunscreen properly: the teaspoon rule

Choose the topic that matches your situation

• I want to understand UVA vs UVB and what SPF really means UVA vs UVB, SPF and broad-spectrum explained
• I burn even when I use sunscreen (or I think I’m applying it wrong) How to apply sunscreen properly: the teaspoon rule
• Sunscreen stings, triggers flushing, or breaks me out Sunscreen for rosacea, acne, eczema and pigment Related: Rosacea, Melasma, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
• I’m deciding between mineral and chemical sunscreens Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: safety and irritation
• I get a rash from sunscreen or a “fake burn” Sunscreen allergy and photoallergy: what to do
• I’m worried about vitamin D Sunscreen and vitamin D: finding a safe balance
• Sunscreen advice for babies, kids, pregnancy, and breastfeeding Sunscreen for babies, kids, pregnancy and breastfeeding
• I want protection beyond sunscreen (clothing, hats, shade) UPF clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade
• Does sunscreen actually prevent skin cancer? Does sunscreen prevent skin cancer? What the evidence shows
• I heard about the CHOICE sunscreen testing — what should I do? CHOICE sunscreen study explained + TGA updates
• I work outside or train hard and sunscreen never lasts Sunscreen for outdoor workers and athletes
• I’m pigment-prone and want to reduce melasma or PIH risk Tinted sunscreen and visible light for pigmentation

If you have sun damage or you’re “high risk”

If you’ve had skin cancer before, you have many actinic keratoses, or you spend a lot of time outdoors, sunscreen is essential — but it’s usually only one part of prevention.

We often combine:

• Regular checks: Full Skin Checks
• Field treatment for sun damage: Actinic Keratosis Treatment
• At-home options for selected lesions: Efudix (5-fluorouracil)
• In-clinic alternatives for selected cases: Laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (LA-PDT) for non-melanoma skin cancer

Clinical Note: For High-Risk Patients If you have a history of multiple skin cancers or are in a high-risk group such as transplant recipients, sun-safe clothing is not just a suggestion—it is a primary medical intervention. In these cases, we recommend a “Physical First” approach: utilise UPF 50+ clothing for all areas of the body possible, reserving sunscreen only for the face, ears, and backs of the hands. This minimises the risk of application error and provides a consistent 98% UV block throughout the day.