The Border community has always been told at least a teaspoon of sunscreen lotion is needed for each limb and the front and back of the torso, but guidelines for aerosol spray sunscreens have been less clear.

Albury-based dermatology registrar Benjamin Daniel said in general, people did not apply enough sunscreen to their skin. 

“We advise people to use the SunSmart app, where people can see how much sunscreen they’re meant to apply based on the time of day and the UV levels,” he said.

Cancer Council chief executive Sanchia Aranda said some people applied aerosol sunscreens as if it were mosquito repellent, which resulted in the application not being thorough.

But the best way to steer clear of sunburn was to avoid going out into the sun in the middle of the day, Mr Daniel said.

“People should all be wearing broad brimmed hats and long sleeved clothing – it’s important people should be doing all these things rather than just relying on one particular sunscreen,” he said.