• Introduction
• The Best Methods Of Sun Protection
• Sunscreens
• Related Information

Introduction

Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two out of three people who spent their childhood or adolescence in Australia will develop skin cancer. These numbers highlight the importance of protecting your skin and eyes from excessive sunlight.

It is never too late to protect yourself from excessive sunlight as skin damage is cumulative. Small amounts of exposure continue to combine over time to harm your skin.

A suntan does not prevent skin cancer. It is a sign of exposure to enough ultraviolet radiation to damage the skin, increasing your risk of premature skin ageing, photoageing and skin cancer.

You don't need to be sun burnt to have skin damage from the sun. The damage done to the skin from even one episode of overexposure to the sun can never be repaired. That is why it is so important to make sun protection a routine part of your life, from birth to old age. Also make sure you protect your whole family.

Even when it's cool or cloudy, you're still at risk from ultraviolet radiation. The most dangerous months in Australia are January, December and February. Significant damage, however can still occur from early Spring to late Autumn and even winter.

You need to be particularly careful if involved in any water or snow activities, as water and snow reflects large amounts of ultraviolet light.

The Best Methods of Sun Protection

The Australian outdoor lifestyle can still be enjoyed provided sensible precautions are taken.

Natural protection from sunlight is the best way to reduce the short and long term effects related to overexposure. Natural protection includes:

• Avoid or minimise your time in the sun between 10 and 2 (or 11 and 3 in daylight saving time). Ultraviolet light is strongest during these times.
• Wear a protective broad-brimmed or legionnaire-style hat, shirt with a collar and long sleeves, and long pants or skirt. Clothing made of densely woven material, that you can't see through when held up to the light, gives the best protection.
• Seek shade when outdoors in strong sunlight (canopies, umbrellas, trees etc).
• Wear wet suits, and UPF 40+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor for clothing) rash shirts, swim tops and body suits at the beach, pool or river. UPF treatments are also available to increase the sun protection provided by clothing in some countries.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses that conform to the Australian Sunglass Standard 1067, and carry an Eye Protection Factor (EPF) rating of 10.

The use of sunscreens should be seen as an add-on to natural protection, not a substitute.

• Use a SPF30+ Broad Spectrum, water resistant sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin.
• Ensure your sunscreen complies with the current Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sunscreens (AS/NZS2604:1998).
• Sunscreens should ideally be applied 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Apply generously (thickly) and be careful not to miss any areas such as the ears and knees.
• When outdoors, reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming, as sunscreen can be wiped off by clothing, rubbing, water and sand.
• Water-resistant sunscreens are best for water sports, and if you are active or likely to perspire whilst outdoors.

Adapting to our beautiful environment in this way allows Australians to spend time outdoors in a manner which is not only healthy and enjoyable, but will also reduce the risks of overexposure to sunlight.

Sunscreens

Even the most carefully formulated sunscreen may irritate certain individuals with very sensitive skin. If you react to one sunscreen, try another. If there are still problems, seek medical advice.

To maximise sun protection for your entire family visit our Babies, Toddlers and Sun Protection page.

Related Information

• Frequently Asked Questions about Sunscreens
• Skin Cancer
• Moles & Melanoma
• Australian UV Index