Most sunbathers do not apply enough sunscreen to reach the SPF listed on the product's package, reports the Medical Journal of Australia. Acc. to Dr Stephen Taylor, 'most people for cosmetic and economic reasons, only apply enough sunscreen to achieve an SPF of about 1/3 or 1/4 of the level'. So, how much sunscreen is enough? Dr Jeffrey Schneider, writing in the Archives of Dermatology, recoomends 'the teaspoon rule'. An average-size adult should apply more than 1/2 tsp of sunscreen to each of the following body areas: head and neck, right arm, and left arm. In addition, the front torso, back torso, right leg and left leg should each receive more than a teaspoon.

'AWAKE'. (Jehovah's Witnesses) 08/10/04

"High Factor Sunscreens declared a 'waste of money'[

Sun lotions of PF 20 and above are a waste of money giving minimal extra protection for the extra cost, and may trigger skin problems'. Dr Meg Price, a member of the BMA's Dermatology Committee said that above SPF 15there is 'very little incremental increase in protection' from harmful rays. She further said that 'the thick, sticky formulations of high protection products can irritate the skin and trigger acne in some people'. This view was backed by the Health Education Authority which (in the mid 1990's' launched a Sun Know How Campaign.. They said that SPF's above 15 offer only slight additional protection. The HEAS spokesperson said that in Australia, which has the highest incidence of skin cancers in the World, SPF ratings above 15 have been banned to avoid deceiving the public.

In Britain, however,lotions of SPF 20, 25, and 30 are heavily promoted.

Independent 01/06/95