In Australia, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Melanoma ranked third in terms of common cancer diagnoses in Australia in 2016 and is expected to be second in 2020. The number of new melanoma cases in Australia in 2016 was 14,48.
The rate of skin cancer in Australia is one of the highest globally; this is why sun protection in Australia is a big concern. There is no need for Australians to expose themselves to potentially harmful UV light to increase their vitamin D levels. Increasing your vitamin D level in the sun does not increase your risk of developing skin cancer, but prolonged sun exposure does. Australians can get enough vitamin D from the sun just by walking in the sun for a few minutes at a time when UV levels are three or above.
You can protect yourself from the sun the best by following all five steps:
Clothes With Slip-On Covers
You should wear clothing that covers the maximum amount of skin, for instance, collared shirts with long sleeves. UPFs are indicators of the amount of UV protection a fabric provides, printed on some clothing.
Ensure that you wear clothing covering your skin well, sleeves that reach elbow length, and shorts or skirts covering your knees. A collar provides excellent protection for the back of your neck. Close-woven cotton clothes are designed to allow the skin to breathe and are relaxed and comfortable.
Using Sunscreen With SPF 30 (Or Higher)
Twenty minutes before you go outside, apply generous amounts of sunscreen onto clean, dry skin. One teaspoon of sunscreen is sufficient to cover the head and neck and the front and back of the body, and approximately seven teaspoons (35mL) are enough for full-body application.
You should never think of your sunscreen as a suit of armor, and you should use it alongside other sun protection methods. In Queensland, the UV Index is above three all year round, so we recommend using sunscreen on our faces, ears, necks, and other parts of our bodies not covered by clothing. Incorporate this into your morning routine to protect yourself from the harmful effects of everyday sun exposure.
While sunscreen is recommended for short periods outdoors, it is recommended that you also wear clothes that will cover almost whole skin, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, seek shade, and schedule outdoor activities outside of peak UVR exposure times.
Don’t Forget Your Hat.
Wear a wide-brimmed legionnaire hat or a bucket hat that shades the face, nose, neck, and ears to reduce skin cancer risk. The protection provided by caps and visors is insufficient.
Seek Out Shade
You can build shade structures with trees, or you can buy sunshades! The shade can reduce UV radiation, but it can still reach you via reflections, so make sure you combine it with other sun protection measures.
Put On Your Sunglasses.
By wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, you can reduce UV radiation exposure to your eyes by up to 98%. Sunglasses in the daylight are recommended. Make sure you choose close-fitting, wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS/NSZ 1067.
You should choose sunglasses that fit closely to your face, which will prevent the side of the eye from getting damaged. Wearing sunglasses prevents the formation of cataracts and other related eye conditions later on in life. Shatter-proof lenses may also be necessary for safety reasons. Don’t let price dictate the quality or the level of sun protection.
Ideas For Sun Protection In Australia
- Do you have your skin well covered? Think about what you’re wearing.
- Before you venture outside, grab a hat and sunglasses
- Keep your eyes peeled for shady areas of the street
- In your car and bag, keep extra hats and umbrellas
- When possible, avoid being outdoors during the midday hours
