Protecting yourself from sun damage is a fact of life when you live Down Under. While many of us have learned to be vigilant when it comes to smearing on sunscreen, there are a few extra things that experts recommend you should do to stay safe outdoors.
“We know that sun protection is becoming a bigger priority for many young Australians, but there’s still work to do in shifting outdated beauty ideals,” Anne Cust, Chair of Cancer Council’s National Skin Cancer Committee tells WHO. “A suntan is not a sign of health; it’s a sign of skin damage.”
“Many people still associate sun protection with summer, but UV damage can occur all year round, even on cloudy days. The sun’s UV rays can start damaging your skin in as little as 15 minutes. That’s why it’s essential to build sun protection into your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth or doing your skincare. Checking the UV index and protecting your skin when it’s 3 or above should be second nature, no matter the season.”
Be sun-safe
Applying sunscreen every day is essential, and it must be rated Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50 or higher.
While we know that you need at least one teaspoon of sunscreen for your face, be sure to protect your whole body. You need at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the front of the body, one for the back, one for the head and another teaspoon for each limb.
Being vigilant has added benefits, too. “All the things you can do for skin cancer prevention helps keep your skin looking better into old age,” Cust explains.
Avoid UV peak periods
If you’ve ever been sunburnt on a cloudy day, you’ll know it’s hard to detect when UV radiation is at risky levels
The safest thing to do is check the official daily UV Index alert issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. If levels are forecast to reach three or above, stay out of the sun and seek shade. Look out for UV rating forecasts on the Bureau of Meteorology website, TV, radio, in the newspaper weather reports or download the free SunSmart app on your phone.
Invest in the proper clothing
That sheer beach cover-up you reach for when you’ve had enough sun actually doesn’t offer much in the way of protection from harmful rays.
Consider a shirt made from UV protective fabric with a UPF 50+ rating to wear over your swimmers at the beach. If you’re going to be outdoors for extended periods, gardening or playing golf, you can buy specialist clothing for these activities, too. Always look for long-sleeved tops that cover the back of your hands and a high collar to shield your neck. Loose-fitting clothes give better sun protection than tight garments.
Wear the right accessories
The best hats for sun safety should have a broad enough brim to shade your full face, ears and the back of your neck. Caps and visors don’t offer enough protection.
But hats only work when you wear them so have a couple and keep them handy. You should also wear sunglasses that have an Australian Standard eye protection factor rating of 10 as these block almost all UV radiation and seek shade when you can.
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