Chemical & Physical UV Filters

Sunscreens contain both chemical and physical filters which act as a shield between the sun and your skin.  Physical filters are organic substances which reflect or scatter UV radiation, but do not allow it to penetrate the skin.  These are normally mineral pigments, such as titanium dioxide.  Chemical filters are organic compounds which absorb UV radiation.  You can obtain effective UV protection through a combination of UVA and UVB filters (also known as broadband protection) with additional antioxidants to reduce the formation of free radicals.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the protective effect against UV radiation.  This protection factor indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun with protected skin in comparison to unprotected skin before you can see a sunburn.

The Australian Standard, the only method currently available, measures UVA radiation.  This measurement requires that the sun protection product absorb at least 90% of the radiation.