Why UV protection matters
Over 95 per cent of skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When unprotected skin is exposed to UV levels of 3 and above, it can damage the DNA in our skin cells. This damage is largely irreversible and builds up over time, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer. UV exposure can also cause sunburn, tanning premature ageing, and eye damage.
You can't rely on how the day feels to know if you need protection:
- UV radiation can't be seen, and unlike heat, we can't feel it either.
- UV levels aren't linked to air temperature and high UV also happens on cool and cloudy days.
- Weather can't be used as a guide for sun protection.
In South Australia, the UV reaches 3 and above from August to May. That means sun protection is needed across most of the year, not just in summer.
Download the SunSmart Global UV app
You can use the free SunSmart Global UV app from anywhere in the world to check the daily UV levels and recommended sun protection times for your location each day.
The daily sun protection times are reported to let us know the times of the day the UV index will reach 3 and above, and are helpful to know when we should Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
Add the free SunSmart UV widget to your website
You can add the free SunSmart UV widget to your website to see the UV levels and sun protection times for your location without having to open the SunSmart app.
It uses forecast information from the Bureau of Meteorology and live UV data from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency to provide sun protection times for 60 locations across South Australia.
