Everything you need to know about sun protection

Being sun safe doesn’t mean closeting yourself away indoors every time the sun is shining. There are simple, quick and easy measures you can put in place every day to help protect your skin – your body’s largest organ – from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and help prevent skin cancer.

We spoke with Monique Vincent, nib Clinical Advisor, to find out everything you need to know about protecting yourself from the sun. 

The sun in Australia vs the rest of the world

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. About two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime and around 2,000 Aussies die from skin cancer each year. So, what is it about the sun in Australia that makes it so dangerous?  

It’s because our country has some of the highest UV radiation levels globally. On a typical summer day, the UV radiation in Australia can be strong enough to cause sunburn in as little as 11 minutes. 

Australia is also close to the equator and experiences a lot of blue-sky days, increasing the time people here spend outdoors.

Sun protection – all you need to know

Sun protection doesn’t just mean slathering on sunscreen (although that's definitely a major part of staying safe from UV rays). SPF is just one part of SunSmart’s five-pronged approach to sun protection, in addition to clothing, a broad-brim hat, sunglasses and (where possible) sticking to shady spaces.

The five ways to protect yourself

When the UV Index is 3 or above, take all five of the recommended sun protection steps: 

Slip

Slip on some clothing that covers up as much skin as possible. Long-sleeved shirts, long skirts and pants offer the best protection.

Slop

Slop on some sunscreen – water-resistant, broad-spectrum, SPF30+ (or higher) is best when applied 20 minutes before you head outdoors. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours and after you’ve been in the water.

Monique recommends incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine so you’re always protected, regardless of the UV index. “Find a sunscreen you love and make it a habit to apply it first thing in the morning or while you brush your teeth,” she suggests.

Slap

Slap on a hat with a broad brim that will give your face, scalp, ears and neck protection from the sun.

Seek

Seek shade.

Slide

Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes against eye damage caused by UV radiation, including cataracts, macular degeneration and ocular melanoma. Check if your sunnies meet the Australian Standard for Eye Protection (AS/NZS1067), with category two protection or higher (meaning they’ll absorb more than 95% of UV radiation).

The UV Index and recommendations

The sun’s damaging UV rays are always the strongest during the middle of the day, so as a general rule stay indoors where possible between 10am and 2pm (or 11am and 3pm during daylight saving time). However, specific timing depends on factors such as where you live and the time of year. UV rays are not hot, and radiation can be high on cloudy, cooler days, so it’s important to check the daily UV Index report or SunSmart app before spending time outdoors.  

The UV Index describes the strength of the ultraviolet radiation each day. The higher the number, the stronger the radiation and the faster unprotected skin will be damaged. A UV level of 1 or 2 is considered low, 3-5 moderate, 6 and 7 is high, 8 to 10 is very high, and 11 and above is considered extreme levels of UV radiation. 

When the UV Index is 3 or above, use sun protection when heading outdoors – and for those who spend most of their time outside (for example, for work), it’s recommended to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide regardless of the UV Index.  

What is SPF and UVA/UVB, and why are they important?

We’re told to use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ (or higher), but what does that all mean?

UVA & UVB

There are two types of harmful UV radiation, but both are involved in sunburn and tanning (a sign your skin is in trauma). UVA also causes premature ageing, while UVB rays can result in the development of skin cancer. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both types of rays.

SPF

SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and is a measure of how much protection a sunscreen offers against UVB radiation. The number tells you how much longer it would take your skin to burn compared to if you used no sunscreen – so for example, if you slop on SPF30 sunscreen, theoretically, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you didn’t wear sunscreen.

The correct way to apply sunscreen

However, the SPF on the sunscreen label means nothing if the lotion isn’t applied properly. Adults need about 35ml, or seven teaspoons of sunscreen, to adequately cover their whole body. That’s a teaspoon of sunscreen for the head and neck, one for each limb, and one each for the front and back of the body.  

It’s also essential to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you head outside and crucial that you reapply every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating. Don’t forget to check that your sunscreen hasn’t passed its expiry date and store it in a cool place.

Related: 7 common sunscreen mistakes

Sunscreens for sensitive skin

If you have a reaction to sunscreen, don’t give up on protecting your skin. Try a fragrance-free product or speak to your chemist, GP or dermatologist for advice to find a product that works for you. There are several sunscreens on the market developed for sensitive skin types, as well as specially formulated sunscreens for children and babies, whose skin is more delicate than adults and can also burn more easily. Sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under six months, who should be kept out of the sun altogether.

What to think about if using cosmetics with SPF protection

While many cosmetics contain SPF, you shouldn’t rely on your makeup alone to keep your skin safe unless it is SPF30 or higher. If you’re heading outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum SPF30+ or higher sunscreen before putting on makeup.

“Another great tip is to carry an aerosol or spritz sunscreen in your bag for reapplying,” Monique advises. “You probably won’t want to remove your makeup every two hours, but adding another layer is a simple way to maintain your sun protection while enjoying your day.” 

Sunscreen effectiveness – storage and expiration

Sunscreen that is past its expiry date may not provide adequate protection, so it’s always important to check before you start slopping it on. Most sunscreens last for two to three years.  

Stored sunscreen below 30-degrees to maintain its effectiveness, so avoid keeping it in the glovebox of a hot car, for instance, or in the sun beside the pool.

Claiming sun protection as a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) expense

If you work outdoors, you may be eligible to claim sun protection products, such as clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating, on your tax return. Speak to your tax advisor or the ATO for more info.

Make skin checks part of your skin routine 

While sun protection is essential for keeping your skin healthy, regular skin checks are just as important in reducing your risk of skin cancer. Be sure to schedule regular skin checks with a medical professional. 

You can also get to know your skin better with nib’s free skin check tool. This online tool offers personalised advice based on your skin type and provides insights into your skin cancer risk, helping you take proactive steps to maintain your skin’s health. Find out more about nib’s online skin check tool. 

Please note: The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.