Reduce Your Risk
Image of girl tanning on beach from Dark Side of Tanning Campaign
Protect your skin

You may think you've heard it all before but consider how well you protect your skin when you go to the local shop, drive to work, walk the dog or when you're at the beach … are you really protecting your skin?

The best way to protect your skin is to seek shade when UVR is at its peak and if you're heading outdoors to wear protective clothing, a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses.

SPF30+ or higher broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen should be applied to the areas that are not protected from the sun with clothing. If used correctly, sunscreen can prevent sunburn. However, sunscreen is not intended to be used to extend the amount of time you spend in the sun, such as tanning.

1. Shade

The strength of UV radiation is highest in the four-hour period around noon: 10am to 2pm or, during daylight savings: 11am to 3pm. The best thing you can do for your skin is to avoid the sun during this period and seek shade. Plan your day.
Click here learn more about the UV index and get today's reading.
2. Protective Clothing

Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, especially your shoulders, arms and legs. The best forms of protective clothing are loose fitting, closely woven fabrics that cast a dense shadow when held up to the light.
3. Broad-brimmed hat

A hat with a brim of at least 7cm is a great way to protect not only the top of your head but also your neck, ears and face. These are parts of the body where skin cancer often occurs.
4. Sunglasses

The most effective way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS 1067 and wrap around the sides of the face. This way UVR doesn't reach your eyes.
5. Sunscreen

Used properly, sunscreens are effective in preventing sunburn. This means generously applying SPF30+ broad spectrum sunscreen to your skin, 20 minutes before you head outdoors. Remember to re-apply every two hours.

Did you know?
In a recent Cancer Institute NSW survey…
  • One-fifth believed that sun protection is only required at the beach or pool.

  • Only one-fifth always stayed out of the sun between 11am and 3pm

  • Only 11% always reapplied sunscreen every two hours.


Interesting links:
World Health Organization: Sunbeds, tanning and UV exposure: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs287/en/index.html
Back to top Email to a friend  Print this page  Decrease font size  Restore font size  Increase font size
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER?
Almost every
Australian is at
an increased risk
of skin cancers,
from the deadly
melanoma to two types of
non-melanoma cancers.

Click here to read more >>