Because nobody has time to figure out how to pronounce the ingredient phenylbenzimidazole, we're making sunscreen simple this summer.

There's just a few things you need to know when choosing and using sunscreen (which, by the way, you should be applying daily).

We spoke to people who care so much about sun protection that they didn't mind taking the time to break it down for us.

Unpacking the big words in sunscreen ingredients

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 1 minute 53 seconds 1 m 53 s Busting sunscreen theories and myths ( By Jed Cooper )

The ingredients list on sunscreens is a scary place for even the most dedicated sun-protectant enthusiast.

But all you really need to know is sunscreens contain active ingredients and emulsions (the lotion or gel, for example).

The active ingredients are either physical blockers or chemical blockers — and yes, products can contain both, explains Cancer Council's Heather Walker, who chairs the Skin Cancer Committee.

The difference between chemical and physical sunscreen

The chemical blockers absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, convert it to heat and dissipate it through the skin. These are the ones with "long, crazy names," Ms Walker says.

The physical blockers reflect the UV, and scatter it away from the skin. An example of a physical blocker ingredient is zinc oxide.

Any other components serve to carry the active ingredients, preserve the product, help it stick to the skin and make it "look and feel nice," says Associate Professor Rachel Neale from medical research institute QIMR Berghofer.

You may also see brands that claim to include antioxidants, vitamin E and aloe vera, or even be "gluten-free", the experts told us, but say they are mostly "gimmicks for marketing purposes".

We've included a list of all active ingredients approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) here if you want to know more.

Miss flamingo prefers broad spectrum sunscreen, because it covers her for UVA and UVB. ( Unsplash )

The four boxes your sunscreen should tick

1. Check for approval

Sunscreens in Australia are heavily regulated by the TGA, so as long as it has an AUST L number (usually on the back) to show it's approved, you are good to go.

2. Broad spectrum

You should be using sunscreen that is labelled broad spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB, our experts say.

"UVB is more harmful in terms of causing cancer, but UVA can also increase cancer risk and also causes skin ageing and can affect immune function," Dr Neale says.

3. SPF

Both our experts recommended sunscreen with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 30.

"Many Australians are surprised to learn that SPF50+ only offers marginally better protection than SPF30. SPF50+ filters out 98 per cent of UVB radiation, while SPF30 blocks out 96.7 per cent of UVB," according the the Cancer Council website.

4. Water resistance

If you're swimming or sweating, choose a sunscreen that is waterproof.

"If it does all of these things, you're onto a winner," Ms Walker says.

Red flags to watch out for

Sunglasses and hats look cool — so wear them (the right way around) as well as sunscreen. ( Unsplash )

Alternative products

If the sunscreen doesn't have an AUST L number, it isn't approved by the TGA and you should approach with caution, warns Dr Neale.

"People need to be careful about so-called natural sunscreens which I have seen at farmers' markets," she says.

"Unless they have a labelled SPF on them and they have a number from the TGA, they are … as a general rule, not tested according to sunscreen testing standards."

Cosmetics with SPF

Make-up and other cosmetics with an SPF value are regulated by a different set of rules, explains Dr Neale.

"They are SPF tested but they don't have the same requirements for stickability to your skin and things like that," she says.

Ms Neale recommends using sunscreen underneath such products for adequate protection.

How-to videos and myths

There is a trend of people making their own sunscreen and YouTube how-tos. They should be avoided, explains Ms Walker.

"If people had a how-to video on making Panadol, you would be sceptical. It's the same thing," she says.

And do your own research before believing myths that do the rounds each year.

"Every summer we end up with lots of different myths about sunscreen and around whether it's safe to use on a daily basis, whether it will stop you making vitamin D, but there is no basis to any of these things," Ms Walker says.

Should I be worried about nanoparticles?

The short answer is no.

Pete Evans once claimed sunscreen contained "poisonous chemicals", and although he wasn't specific about which, the subject of nanoparticles reportedly cause some people concern.

The TGA has found although some sunscreens contain them, nano-sized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide particles don't penetrate the underlying layers of skin.

"In conclusion, on current evidence, neither … are likely to cause harm when used as ingredients in sunscreens and when sunscreens are used as directed," the sites reads.

Dr Neale says people concerned about the use of sunscreen chemicals need to be "concerned about skin cancer too".

"You need to cover as much skin as possible, and use hats, umbrellas and seek shade," she advises for people who don't use sunscreen.

What sunscreen is best for me?

Both our experts say the best sunscreen "is the one you will use".

"In the past, sunscreens are all thick and gooey and horrible," Dr Neale says.

"I hear older men say they hate them — 'They stick on my hands and then the dust sticks to them' — but manufacturers have done a fantastic job to create products with a better feel.

"It's unlikely people can't find a sunscreen they would find acceptable."

Gel sunscreens tend to be less greasy, explains Dr Neale, and Ms Walker says dry touch formulas with silica are her favourite.

Opt for creams or gels, and avoid aerosols or sprays.

"We already know that 85 per cent of Aussies don't apply enough sunscreen [and] it becomes even harder with aerosols or spray," Ms Walker says, noting the Cancer Council stopped manufacturing its range of sprays.

When to use sunscreen and how

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You should be applying sunscreen when the UV index is forecast to reach three or higher, our experts say.

"In the northern parts of Australia, that is all year. In Tasmania, there is about three months where it doesn't get over three," Dr Neale says.

But even if you're already applying it daily, there is an 85 per cent chance you aren't doing it effectively.

Dr Neale says recent research shows to get the right coverage, it's best to apply two coats, waiting a few minutes in between.

And you need to do that 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours.

And most importantly, sunscreen is "not a shield of armour," Dr Neale warns.

"Sunscreen should be used in conjunction with many other sun protecting activities," she says.

Those include clothing, shade, hats and sunglasses.