Being Sun Smart

UV radiation is invisible and can’t be seen or felt. It can be high even on cool, or overcast days, and can pass though cloud cover and glass. Most Australians need sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or higher. The SunSmart UV alert is reported daily by the Bureau of Meteorology (found on their website, in newspapers, certain apps and the Cancer Council Australia’s home page) and identifies times of the day when the UV level is 3 or above and sun protection is needed. For best protection, a combination of sun protection measures is recommended. These include:
  1. Slip on sun protective clothing that covers the skin, especially for children. Some fabrics have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating, much like the SPF rating of sunscreens. Thus, the higher the UPF, the greater the protection provided by the fabric. Choose fabrics that are at least UPF 15 but preferably UPF 50.
  2. Slop on a broad spectrum, water resistant, SPF 50+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before going outdoors to allow the product to be evenly dispersed and absorbed into the superficial layers of the skin, and re-apply every two hours (or after swimming, toweling, exercise etc). Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen, resulting in a significant reduction in the SPF stated on the product. You need to apply liberally: at least a teaspoon for each limb, front and back of the body, and half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears.
  3. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat to protect your scalp, face, ears, and neck.
  4. Seek shade wherever possible but be aware of reflected UV radiation.
  5. Slide on some sunglasses. These should be close-fitting, wrap around style sunglasses that reach Australian/NZ standards (categories 2,3 or 4). UV exposure can lead to eye problems including cataracts, pterygiums and even skin cancers on the surface of the eye.
If you do have any concerns about your skin, make sure you discuss them with your GP or Dermatologist.

Being Sun Smart

UV radiation is invisible and can’t be seen or felt. It can be high even on cool, or overcast days, and can pass though cloud cover and glass. Most Australians need sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or higher. The SunSmart UV alert is reported daily by the Bureau of Meteorology (found on their website, in newspapers, certain apps and the Cancer Council Australia’s home page) and identifies times of the day when the UV level is 3 or above and sun protection is needed.

For best protection, a combination of sun protection measures is recommended. These include:

  1. Slip on sun protective clothing that covers the skin, especially for children. Some fabrics have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating, much like the SPF rating of sunscreens. Thus, the higher the UPF, the greater the protection provided by the fabric. Choose fabrics that are at least UPF 15 but preferably UPF 50.
  2. Slop on a broad spectrum, water resistant, SPF 50+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before going outdoors to allow the product to be evenly dispersed and absorbed into the superficial layers of the skin, and re-apply every two hours (or after swimming, toweling, exercise etc). Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen, resulting in a significant reduction in the SPF stated on the product. You need to apply liberally: at least a teaspoon for each limb, front and back of the body, and half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears.
  3. Slap on a broad-brimmed hat to protect your scalp, face, ears, and neck.
  4. Seek shade wherever possible but be aware of reflected UV radiation.
  5. Slide on some sunglasses. These should be close-fitting, wrap around style sunglasses that reach Australian/NZ standards (categories 2,3 or 4). UV exposure can lead to eye problems including cataracts, pterygiums and even skin cancers on the surface of the eye.
If you do have any concerns about your skin, make sure you discuss them with your GP or Dermatologist.