by In Australia, the use of sunscreen has been widespread for almost a century. However, the reasons behind its use, the formulations, and the effectiveness have evolved over time. Let’s take a journey through the history of sunscreen in Australia and explore how we have protected our skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Early days: Sunscreens for tanning
During the 1930s, the first sunscreens became available in Australia. Chemist Milton Blake was one of the pioneers, manufacturing sunburn vanishing creams scented with French perfume in his backyard using a kerosene heater. His business, H.A. Milton (Hamilton) Laboratories, still produces sunscreens today.
Hamilton’s first sunscreen claimed to provide comfort while sunbathing and enable a tan with ease. By today’s standards, it would have had a sun protection factor (SPF) of 2. Back then, having a tan was considered a fashionable complexion, and people used sunscreens to achieve a tan without burning. It was believed that only the UVB component of UV light caused sunburn, while UVA was thought to simply darken the skin pigment melanin.
The discovery of UVA’s harmful effects
From the 1970s, medical research began to suggest that UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause aging effects such as wrinkles and sunspots. Moreover, both UVA and UVB were found to contribute to the development of skin cancer.
In response to this knowledge, sunscreens in the 1980s aimed to be broad-spectrum, providing protection against both UVA and UVB. Researchers recommended the use of sunscreens for all skin tones, including individuals with dark skin, to prevent sun damage.
Pre-1980s sun preparations
Before the 1980s, sun preparations varied widely in their efficacy. Some claimed to delay burning, while others, such as baby oil or coconut oil, actively encouraged tanning. Without clear ingredient labeling laws, it was difficult for consumers to distinguish between different products.
The birth of standardized testing and labeling
In the 1970s, two Queensland researchers, Gordon Groves and Don Robertson, developed tests to evaluate sunscreens. They even conducted experiments on students and colleagues to determine their effectiveness. Their findings were printed in newspapers to help the public choose the right product.
In response to the growing demand for regulation in the sunscreen industry, an Australian manufacturer urged the federal health department to establish standard definitions and testing methods for sunscreens. After years of consultation and collaboration with manufacturers, researchers, and consumers, the Australian Standard AS2604 was introduced in 1986. This standard specified a testing method based on the work of the Queensland researchers and introduced the SPF system to measure sun protection.
SPF and its impact
The SPF represents the ratio of the time it takes for fair-skinned individuals to burn with and without sunscreen. Higher SPF values indicate better protection. Both manufacturers and consumers embraced the SPF system because it allowed for better marketing differentiation and easy understanding.
With the national skin cancer campaign “Slip! Slop! Slap!” launched in 1981, Australians became more aware of the importance of sun protection. They could now confidently apply sunscreen with the knowledge of its sun protection level.
Sunscreen’s preventive benefits confirmed
It was not until 1999 that research definitively demonstrated the preventive effects of sunscreen against skin cancer. Queensland residents in Nambour participated in a nearly five-year trial led by Adele Green of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, which showed that daily sunscreen use reduced rates of squamous cell carcinoma (a common form of skin cancer) by approximately 60%.
Follow-up studies in 2011 and 2013 further revealed that regular sunscreen use almost halved the rate of melanoma and slowed down skin aging. However, sunscreen had no impact on rates of basal cell carcinoma, another common type of skin cancer.
Ongoing challenges
While Australians have embraced the use of sunscreen, there are still challenges in achieving adequate application and reapplication. Concerns about sunscreen blocking the skin’s vitamin D production are largely unfounded since even SPF50 sunscreen allows some UVB penetration. However, there are valid concerns about the environmental impact of sunscreen’s active ingredients and their absorption by our bodies.
In conclusion, sunscreen has come a long way in Australia, evolving from mild protection to effective, easy-to-use products that safeguard against the harmful effects of UV radiation. It has shifted from a product primarily used by individuals with fair skin to one suitable for everyone. Remember, sunscreen is just one element of comprehensive sun protection. Don’t forget to slip on protective clothing, slap on a hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses for complete protection against the sun.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
