Protecting my skin

Sun protection is needed whenever the UV Index is 3 and above. In South Australia this is usually from the beginning of August until the end of April.

In Adelaide and southern parts of South Australia, UV is usually below 3 in June and July, and sun protection isn’t needed unless you work outdoors, are near reflective surfaces (like water), or outside for long periods of time. However, in some parts of the state, UV can reach 3 and above, all year round so it’s important to check your local sun protection times.

The free SunSmart Global UV app tells you when sun protection is needed at your location. Daily sun protection times can also be found at the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Even on a cloudy day the UV index can reach and remain at 3 or above. Cloud cover does not provide sun protection as UV can pass through clouds. In fact, certain types of cloud can increase the amount of UV reaching Earth when they scatter and reflect the UV rays.

Don’t assume that you’re safe in the sun, if you don’t feel it ‘sting’ your skin – that ‘sting’ or ‘bite’ you feel is the heat, not UV radiation. Sunburn can happen even on cool or cloudy days because it’s UV radiation that causes damage, not how sunny or hot the weather is. If you’re not sure, don’t risk it – download the free SunSmart Global UV app and check the sun protection times for your location.

The answer is always sunburn. While the wind can dry your skin out, it does not cause it to burn. UV from the sun damages our skin at an index of 3 and above, so regardless of what other weather conditions are present, such as clouds or wind, remember to protect yourself from UV and Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.

Outdoor workers receive up to ten times more UV exposure than indoor workers, putting them at greater risk of skin cancer. UV exposure adds up overtime which means outdoor workers should be protecting their skin even at low levels of UV. Learn more about being SunSmart at work.

Whilst a cap means you have the top of your head and a small part of your forehead covered, much of your face, neck and ears are left unprotected. All of these areas are common places for skin cancer to grow. A broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat are the best styles for sun protection.

There is no safe way to tan, in fact, tanning is a sign of skin cells in trauma and not a sign of health. When skin has too much exposure to UV radiation, it produces a pigment called melanin to try to protect it from more damage. Every time your skin tans, the damage adds up to increase your risk of skin cancer. Even once the tan has faded, the damage remains.

Regardless of skin type, overexposure to UV radiation can damage unprotected skin This damage builds up over our lifetime and increases the risk of skin cancer developing. While people with fair skin are more sensitive to UV, all people can get skin cancer from too much time in the sun. UV radiation can also damage our eyes, lead to premature ageing and wrinkles, and even fade tattoos. Remember to protect your skin outdoors, whenever the UV is 3 and above.

Sun exposure in childhood plays a significant role in our future skin cancer risk, but the good news is that it’s never too late to protect your skin. UV damage adds up over your lifetime to increase your risk, but there are no ‘hard and fast’ rules to who will or won’t get skin cancer. Using sun protection at all ages is the best way to reduce your risk.

Sensible sun protection when the UV is 3 and above, does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. If you are concerned that you may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency, talk you your doctor. They can determine if dietary supplements are appropriate for your situation. Extending your time in the sun without any form of sun protection when the UV is 3 or above is not recommended, even for those with vitamin D deficiency. Prolonged sun exposure does not cause your vitamin D levels to increase further but does increase your risk of skin cancer. Learn more about vitamin D and sun protection.

Vitamin D levels naturally vary at different times of the year. In summer, most people make enough vitamin D because UV levels are high and we often spend more time outdoors. When the UV is 3 or above (August to the end of April in South Australia), we only need a few minutes of sun exposure mid-morning or mid-afternoon to maintain healthy vitamin D levels, even when wearing sun protection.

In June and July, when the UV level typically falls below 3, South Australians should spend time outdoors in the middle of the day with some skin uncovered to support vitamin D production. Being physically active also helps boost vitamin D levels. People who may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency should talk to their doctor for advice. Learn more about vitamin D and sun protection.

In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates sunscreens, to make sure that only ingredients which have been assessed for quality and safety are used. Different brands may market their products as either mineral or chemical sunscreens, both are safe and the difference is in the ingredients used and the process of protecting the skin (some physically block UV and others absorb it). There is very strong evidence that the list of commonly used active ingredients used in sunscreen in Australia are not harmful to humans.

Cancer Council SA recommends using sunscreen that is labelled SPF 50 or 50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant and TGA approved (look for the reference that the product compiles with AS/NZS 2604:2012). As long as the product includes these requirements, the brand or ingredients you choose is up to you. You may prefer to try a few, but it’s important to find one you like as you will then be more likely to use it and reapply. For the best sun protection, use other forms of sun protection – clothing, hats, shade and sunglasses – as well as sunscreen.

Get tips on the five forms of sun protection.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen refers to sunscreens which filter both UVA and UVB rays. UVB is the major cause of sunburn and increased skin cancer risk, while UVA contributes to aging of the skin, as well as higher skin cancer risk. Look for an SPF 50 or 50+, broad-spectrum sunscreen for best protection and remember to use clothing, hats, shade and sunglasses to protect your skin as well.

The plus sign simply means ‘more than’. For example, a SPF 50+ sunscreen must be at least SPF 60 in testing in laboratories. Both SPF 50 and SPF 50+ provide a high level of protection.

Sunscreen ingredients are similar across all brands, and sensitivities to sunscreen are complex, so simply changing the brand of sunscreen may not eliminate a reaction. A dermatologist is best placed to diagnose any reaction and help determine which ingredients should be avoided in the future.

Sunscreens that use ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have not been reported to cause contact allergy. However, some people do not like to use products with these ingredients as they tend to be heavier creams that do not absorb well into the skin. You may like to try a sunscreen that has been specially formulated for sensitive skin. A dermatologist will be able to provide product advice.

As sunscreens contain multiple active ingredients, it can be difficult to determine whether you will have a reaction – and, if you do, what component of the sunscreen caused it. For this reason, Cancer Council recommends performing a usage test before applying any sunscreen, where a small amount of the product is applied on the inside of the forearm for a few days to check if the skin reacts, prior to applying it to the rest of the body.

While the usage test may show whether the skin is sensitive to an ingredient in the sunscreen, it may not always indicate an allergy, as this may occur after repeated use of the product.

If you have a known sunscreen allergy, the best way to avoid a problem is to not use any product containing the substances you are sensitive to.