Sun Protection

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin cells and can lead to:

·       Skin cancer

·       Precancerous skin changes

·       Premature skin ageing

·       Pigment changes

Both long-term cumulative exposure and short periods of intense exposure (sunburn) contribute to skin damage. Protecting the skin from UV radiation helps reduce these risks over time.

Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world. The UV index can reach damaging levels even:

·       On cooler days

·       On cloudy or overcast days

·       Outside the middle of summer

Because UV damage accumulates gradually, regular sun protection is important throughout the year, not just during holidays or beach activities.

The UV index is a measure of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

As a general guide:

·       When the UV index is 3 or above, sun protection is recommended

·       Higher UV levels increase the risk of skin damage in a shorter period of time

Checking the daily UV index can help guide sun-protective behaviours.

Sun protection works best when multiple strategies are used together. These include:

·       Broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting against UVA and UVB)

·       Protective clothing, including long sleeves

·       Wide-brimmed hats

·       Sunglasses

·       Seeking shade, particularly during peak UV times

No single method is completely protective on its own.

Sunscreen should be:

·       Broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection)

·       Applied generously to all exposed skin

·       Reapplied regularly, especially after swimming or sweating

Sunscreen is most effective when used in combination with other sun-protective measures, rather than as the sole form of protection.

Yes. UV radiation can penetrate cloud cover, and significant UV exposure can occur even when the weather feels cool or overcast.

Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV index is at damaging levels, regardless of temperature or cloud cover.

Yes. Sun protection remains important even if sun damage has already occurred.

Consistent sun protection:

·       Helps prevent further damage

·       Reduces the development of new precancerous lesions

·       Supports treatment outcomes for sun-related skin conditions

·       Lowers future skin cancer risk

Yes. Sun sensitivity can be increased by:

·       Certain medical treatments or medications

·       Some skin conditions

·       Lighter skin types

During periods of increased sun sensitivity, stricter sun protection is particularly important.

Yes. UV exposure contributes to:

·       Wrinkles and fine lines

·       Loss of skin elasticity

·       Uneven pigmentation

Regular sun protection helps reduce premature skin ageing, in addition to lowering skin cancer risk.

Sun protection advice can be adapted based on:

·       Work and recreational activities

·       Time spent outdoors

·       Skin type and personal risk factors

·       Medical history or treatments

Tailored advice helps make sun protection practical and sustainable.

Medical review is recommended if you notice:

·       New or changing skin lesions

·       Rough, scaly, or non-healing patches

·       Spots that bleed, crust, or become tender

·       Concern about sun damage or skin cancer risk

Early assessment supports appropriate management and surveillance.

Dermatologists assess individual skin cancer risk and provide personalised advice on:

·       Sun protection strategies

·       Skin surveillance

·       Managing sun-related skin changes

This supports both short-term skin care and long-term skin health.