Sun Care

Sun safety starts with SPF

Australians love the sun. Unfortunately, we also have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the entire world. Sun exposure puts you in the path of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which in turn damages skin cells and causes skin cancer. To reduce your risk, it’s vital that you protect your skin from harmful UV rays. There are plenty of ways to do this, and with UV levels as high as Australia’s, it’s worth adopting as many measures of protection as possible. One of the simplest and most effective ways to guard against UV is by using sunscreen. Cancer Council provides a wide range of SPF products to keep the sun at bay, no matter what your day holds in store.

What is UV radiation?

Even though we can’t see or feel ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it’s always around – and always harmful. On a bright summer day, UV rays can cause sunburn to unprotected skin in as little as 11 minutes.

But just because it’s not sunny, doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. A cool or overcast day can carry UV radiation levels that are just as dangerous as days with high temperatures and blue skies. Cloud cover doesn’t stop UV rays from reaching the ground, and can actually make them more intense.

The colour of the sky and chilly forecasts should never dictate when you protect your skin against the sun. Keep an eye on UV levels, and slap on SPF protection in any weather.

80%

Up to 80% of premature ageing, fine lines and wrinkles is due to sun exposure*

*www.cancercouncil.org.au

98%

In laboratory conditions, when used as directed, SPF50 sunscreen filters 98% of UV radiation

*www.cancercouncil.org.au

11min

UV radiation strong enough to cause sunburn in as little as 11 minutes on a fine summer day.

*www.cancercouncil.org.au

Know your UVAs from your UVBs

Know your UVAs from your UVBs

Living in Australia, you’ve likely heard the words ‘ultraviolet radiation’ or ‘UV rays’ more times than you can count. UV is a daily threat with serious health repercussions, but what does it actually mean?

These invisible rays of radiation come from the sun and cause skin cancer by damaging your cells. The level of UV radiation in a given area is marked each day by a number between 0-15, letting you know how strong it is and how much of a risk it poses.

There are two types of UV rays that reach and affect our skin – UVA and UVB. Both operate on different wavelengths and impact different layers of the skin, but both are incredibly harmful through overexposure. Fortunately, both kinds can be protected against using a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Here’s a deeper look at the key differences between UVA and UVB radiation, as well as the reasons to guard yourself against them.

Learn more

Let’s talk SPF

All sunscreens are marked with an SPF rating that calls out their strength. SPF50 is the go-to, particularly in Australia, but what does that actually mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Put simply, this tells you how effective a product is at protecting you from the sun. That effectiveness is tested in a lab setting by determining how long redness takes to appear on the skin after sun exposure.

In the lab, SPF30 sunscreen filters 96.7% of UV radiation and SPF50 sunscreen filters 98% of UV radiation. It’s almost impossible to recreate lab conditions in your day-to-day life, however, because factors like skin type, UV levels, how much product you apply, and what you’re doing that day will always come into play.

So, to get the most out of your SPF and keep yourself as safe as possible, it’s vital that you apply sunscreen liberally, repeatedly, and as directed.

Which sunscreen should I use?

Choose a sunscreen that best suits your skin type, activity and that you find easy to reapply. If you have sensitive skin and have had a reaction to sunscreen in the past, look for fragrance-free products. If you don’t want sunscreen residue left on your hands, look for a gel.

Not all sunscreens contain the same ingredients. If your skin reacts to one sunscreen, talk to a chemist or doctor about choosing one with different ingredients.

Make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum and at least 50SPF.

Applying sunscreen

Step one

Use a generous amount of sunscreen. When applying sunscreen, you need at least one teaspoon for face. Don’t forget your neck and ears

Step Two

Sunscreen needs to be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors.

Step Three

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you are spending time outdoors. As sunscreen can be easily wiped off, you should also reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Applying sunscreen

Keep an eye on your skin

Keep an eye on your skin

Taking care of your skin is very important. Make it a habit to check your skin regularly for any new spots or changes in the way your existing spots look, like their shape, color, or size. These small steps can help you catch potential skin issues early.

And if you ever notice anything that seems unusual or concerns you, don't worry – just reach out to your doctor. They're here to help and can provide you with the best advice.