Sydney dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta was featured in The Australian after the release of CHOICE findings on SPF ratings of popular sunscreens sold in Australia.
The consumer group reported that 16 out of 20 products failed to meet their advertised sun protection ratings. Among them were sunscreens from Ultra Violette, Neutrogena, Aldi Ombra, Bondi Sands, Cancer Council, Banana Boat, and Woolworths. The results were referred to the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Dr Ritu expressed her deep concern over the findings, urging authorities to follow up on this matter and encouraging more rigorous independent testing. Consumers must ensure they are buying products containing the published SPF, especially if they normally don’t apply enough sunscreen in the field.
Dr Ritu guides users by sharing the secret to choosing the right SPF. More expensive sunscreens are not necessarily the best, but they may contain additional ingredients that could provide better UV protection.
She stressed that a good sunscreen must have physical blockers (such as zinc or titanium) to effectively block UV and chemical absorbers to absorb UV and neutralise its effects. Products with tint should also be considered, as they block visible light, which contributes to skin ageing and pigmentation, and are critical for those with melasma.
Finally, for budget-conscious individuals, Dr Ritu recommends spending more on sunscreen for the face and using a less expensive product for the body. Beyond the cost, what’s important is to reapply sunscreen often and to use a product with an SPF of at least 30.
Read the full article from The Australian here: Dermatologist Ritu Gupta demands ‘rigorous testing’ after sunscreen review
Alternatively, watch Dr Ritu’s appearance on The Australian below.
To consult with Dr Ritu, please book online, WhatsApp at 0493 766 096, or call (02) 8014 6500.
