Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun

It's particularly important to take care of your skin as you age. Your skin is the largest organ in your body and needs care and attention to stay healthy.

The older you are, the more time your skin has been exposed to environmental stressors. Australia is blessed with plenty of sunny weather, but unfortunately has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world.

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to keep safe in the sun.

What is UV?

UV is short for ultraviolet radiation and is the main cause of skin cancers.

Typically, the UV is at its highest levels in the middle of the day.

You're not only at risk of UV radiation when it's hot and sunny outside. The UV can be at harmful levels even when clouds are blocking the sun.

UV can also reflect off surfaces like water, concrete, and snow.

You should use sun protection when the UV level is 3 and above on the UV index.

Keep track of UV levels with the SunSmart app

By keeping track of UV levels, and using sun protection, you can work, rest, and do what you love outdoors safely.

You can keep track of the UV index with the free SunSmart Global UV app. You can get the free SunSmart app from the Apple Store or Google Play:

(Here are some more helpful apps to check out too.)

5 simple steps for staying sun safe

A common misconception is that UV levels are only harmful during the summer months. Follow these five tips to look after your skin year-round.

1. Wear protective clothing

Wearing protective clothing is your first line of defence against UV radiation. Ensure your clothes are in good condition and covering as much skin as possible.

2. Wear a hat

Wear a hat to protect your face, scalp, ears, and neck from the sun. Consider a broad brim or legionnaires hat as it offers more protection than a cap.

3. Put on sunglasses

Close fitting wraparound sunglasses can help protect the skin around your eyes as well as the eyes themselves. Make sure they meet the Australian standards for UV protection.

4. Seek shade

If you need to be out and about during times when UV is at its highest, seek shade out of the direct sunlight. You can find a tree, use an umbrella, or seek the shade of a building.

5. Apply sunscreen correctly and regularly

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure it's SPF30 or higher. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before going into the sun and reapply every two hours.

Medication and UV

Some medications can cause photosensitivity and increase your risk of sunburn. They can also cause other skin reactions when in contact with UV. Ask your health professional if photosensitivity is a side effect you may experience for any new or existing medications. This is particularly important if you use any of these common medications:

Antibiotics
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
Antipsychotics
Target therapies (drugs or other substances that target specific molecules which cancer cells need to survive and spread)

Check your skin regularly

Skin cancer is easier to treat the earlier it is identified. Get to know your skin including any marks, moles, or freckles you may have.

If an existing mark changes colour, size, or texture, visit your health professional as soon as you can for a check-up.

There are specific skin cancer clinics that can check, map, and record the blemishes and moles on your skin.

Visit the SunSmart website to learn what to check for and how to check your skin.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for maintaining good health and ageing well. The good news is that you generally receive an adequate dose of Vitamin D through incidental UVB exposure.

It's important to use the five steps of sun protection, including sunscreen, any time the UV level is over 3. Sunscreen has a very minimal effect on Vitamin D absorption. If you have any concerns over Vitamin D deficiency, consult your health professional.

Keep track of UV levels particularly in late autumn and winter. UV tends to be higher during the middle of the day. Take the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine in the early morning or late afternoon.

Sun protection and dark skin

You may need more exposure to sunlight if you are naturally darker-skinned or if you cover more of your skin for religious reasons. Having naturally darker skin does not protect you against UV or skin cancer.

Learn about sun protection and dark skin at the SBS science website.

More helpful information

If you need more information, get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.

If you'd like to learn more about staying sun safe, follow the links below:

References

Cancer Council Australia. (2023). Skin cancer. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer

Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Vitamin D deficiency. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vitamin-d-deficiency

Cancer Council Victoria. Protect your skin. SunSmart. https://www.sunsmart.com.au/protect-your-skin

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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Staying sun safe