Being sun safe doesn’t mean locking yourself in the closet every time the sun is shining. There are some simple steps you can take to protect your skin, be sun-smart and prevent skin cancer.
We spoke with Monique Vincent, nib Clinical Advisor, to explore what you need to know about protecting yourself from the sun.
Why is the Australian sun dangerous?
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. About two in three Australians will have skin cancer in their lifetime and around 2,000 Aussies die from it each year. So, what is it about the sun in Australia that makes it so dangerous?
It’s because our country has some of the highest UV radiation levels globally. On an average Aussie summer day, the UV radiation can be strong enough to cause sunburn in as little as 15 minutes.
Australia is also close to the equator and experiences many blue-sky days, which increases the time people spend outdoors.
What is the UV Index?
The UV Index describes the strength of ultraviolet radiation levels each day. The index divides UV radiation levels into five categories, where the higher the number the stronger the radiation:
Low (1–2)
Moderate (3–5)
High (6–7)
Very high (8–10)
Extreme (11 and above).
When do you need protection from UV rays?
The sun’s damaging UV rays are always the strongest during the middle of the day. As a general rule use five means of protection for your skin (Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide) between 10am and 2pm (or 11am and 3pm during daylight saving time).
But the specific time depends on where you live and the season you’re in. UV rays aren’t hot and radiation can be high on cloudy, cooler days too. That’s why it’s important to check the daily UV Index report or SunSmart app before going outside.
When the UV Index is 3 or above, use sun protection when heading outdoors. And for those who spend most of their time outside (like for work), remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide regardless of the UV Index.
How to protect your skin from the sun
Sun protection doesn’t just mean slathering on sunscreen (but it’s a major part of staying safe from UV rays). When the UV Index is 3 or above, take all five of the recommended sun protection steps:
Slip
Slip on some clothing that covers up as much skin as possible. Long-sleeved shirts, long skirts and pants offer the best protection.
Slop
Slop on some sunscreen. Water-resistant, broad-spectrum, SPF30+ (or higher) is best when applied 20 minutes before you head outdoors. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours and after you’ve been in the water.
Monique recommends using sunscreen each day so you’re always protected, regardless of the UV Index. “Find a sunscreen you love and make it a habit to apply it first thing in the morning or while you brush your teeth,” she suggests.
Slap
Slap on a hat with a broad brim that will give your face, scalp, ears and neck protection from the sun.
Seek
Seek shade where you can.
Slide
Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes. UV radiation can damage your eyes and cause cataracts, macular degeneration and ocular melanoma. Check if your sunnies meet the Australian Standard for Eye Protection (AS/NZS1067). If they’re in category two of protection or higher, it means they’ll absorb more than 95% of UV radiation.
What is SPF and UVA/UVB sunscreen and why are they important?
We’re told to use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ (or higher). But what do they mean?
UVA and UVB
There are two types of harmful UV radiation, but both can cause sunburn and tanning (a sign your skin is in trauma). UVA causes premature ageing, while UVB rays can result in skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of rays.
SPF
SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and is a measure of how much protection a sunscreen offers against UVB radiation. The number tells you how much longer it would take your skin to burn compared to if you used no sunscreen. So, if you slop on SPF30 sunscreen, it should take you 30 times longer to burn than if you didn’t wear sunscreen.
How to apply sunscreen
The SPF on the sunscreen label means nothing if you don’t apply it properly. Adults need about 35 ml, or seven teaspoons of sunscreen, to cover their whole body. That’s a teaspoon of sunscreen for the head and neck, each limb and the front and back of the body.
Make sure you sunscreen 20 minutes before you head outside and reapply every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating.
Sunscreens for sensitive skin
If you have a reaction to sunscreen, don’t give up on protecting your skin. Try a fragrance-free product or speak to your chemist, GP or dermatologist to find a product that works for you. There are plenty of sunscreens on the market for sensitive skin types. And there are special sunscreens for children and babies because they can burn more easily. Remember, sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under six months. Keep these little ones out of the sun altogether.
What to think about if using cosmetics with SPF protection
While many cosmetics contain SPF, you shouldn’t rely on your makeup to keep your skin safe. The exception is if the product is SPF30 or higher. If you’re heading outdoors, use a broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen before putting on makeup.
“Another great tip is to carry an aerosol or spritz sunscreen in your bag for reapplying,” Monique advises. “You probably won’t want to remove your makeup every two hours, but adding another layer is a simple way to maintain your sun protection while enjoying your day.”
How to store sunscreen properly
Sunscreen that’s past its expiry date might not give you adequate protection. Always check the expiry date before you start slopping it on. It’s a good idea to check your sunscreen every two to three years, as that’s how long they tend to last for.
Store your sunscreen in an area below 30-degrees to maintain its effectiveness. This means you should avoid keeping it in the glovebox of a hot car or in the sun beside the pool.
Can you claim sun protection on your tax return?
If you work outdoors, you may be eligible to claim sun protection products on your tax return. Speak to your tax advisor or the ATO for more info.
Make skin checks part of your skin routine
While sun protection can keep your skin healthy, regular skin checks are just as important. They can help you spot any suspicious moles and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Be sure to schedule regular skin checks with a medical professional.
You can also get to know your skin better with nib’s free skin check tool. This online tool offers personalised advice based on your skin type and provides insights into your skin cancer risk. In a few minutes, you can get personalised recommendations to take proactive steps to maintain your skin’s health.
Please note: The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.
