Staying sun smart this summer

by DAVID CANNALONGA
4th November 2024

FOR MANY of us, summer is our favourite season.
Backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, and long outdoor afternoons.
With all the fun that summer brings, it also brings high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can have serious health impacts if we don’t take the proper precautions.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and one of the main culprits is overexposure to UV radiation.
The UV Index, which measures the intensity of ultraviolet rays, reaches extreme levels during the summer months in Australia.
The sun is at its most harmful between 10am and 4pm, and even on cooler and overcast days, UV radiation can be dangerously high.
UV radiation can lead to sunburn, premature ageing, and in the long term — skin cancer.
That’s why being sun smart is essential, not just for hot beach days but throughout the entire summer.

UV and your skin

Understanding how UV rays affect your skin can help you fully appreciate the importance of sun protection.
There are two main types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB.
UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, causing premature ageing and wrinkles, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, and play a key role in developing skin cancer.
Just a few sunburns in childhood can increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
Even if you’re diligent about avoiding sunburn, long-term exposure to UV rays without protection can cause damage over time, leading to skin cancer.

Sun smart tips

Being sun smart isn’t complicated, but it does require awareness and a few good habits.
Protective clothing: Clothing is one of the most effective barriers between your skin and the sun.
When it’s hot, we tend to wear shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and any cool clothing.
However, if you are going to be outdoors when UV rays are high, choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants that cover as much skin as possible if you can’t stay in the shade.
A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face, ears and neck from the sun’s harmful rays.
These areas are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin damage.
SPF 50+ sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must when spending time outside.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, which offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply it generously 20 minutes before heading outdoors, and cover all exposed areas, including those easily forgotten, like the back of your neck, tops of your feet, and behind your ears.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
However, sunscreen cannot be relied on alone; it’s part of a broader sun protection plan that includes shade, protective clothing, and hats.
Shade: Staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10am and 4pm) is a simple way to reduce UV exposure.
If you’re spending the day outdoors, bring a beach umbrella or set up a sun shelter.
While shade reduces UV exposure, it doesn’t completely block it, so make sure you’re still using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
Sunglasses: Your eyes are just as susceptible to UV damage as your skin, so protect them with sunglasses that block out 100 per cent of UV rays.
Look for sunglasses labelled UV400 or those that meet the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1067:2016).
Monitor your skin: Keep an eye on your skin for any new moles or changes in existing ones.
If you notice any changes in the size, shape, or colour of a mole, or if a spot becomes itchy, painful, or bleeding, see your GP as soon as possible.
Children: It’s never too early to start teaching children about the importance of sun protection.
Encourage your kids to practice the sun smart steps — slip, slop, slap, seek, and slide.
Make putting on sunscreen a routine, just like brushing their teeth, and lead by example.
When children see adults consistently using sunscreen, wearing hats and seeking shade, they’re more likely to follow suit.
You can also make sun protection fun.
Let children pick out their own sun hats or colourful long-sleeved rash shirts.
Ensure your little ones are covered in appropriate clothing, sunscreen and hats, and try to schedule outdoor playtimes for the early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are lower.

The friendly team at TerryWhite Chemmart Warrandyte is always here to offer personalised advice.
Feel free to drop by and chat about the best suncare routine for your skin type and enjoy all the outdoor fun Warrandyte has to offer.
David Cannalonga is the owner of TerryWhite Chemmart Warrandyte, Goldfields Plaza.
He has a Bachelor of Pharmacy and is an accredited Consultant Pharmacist.