With summer fast approaching, Australians are getting ready for longer days, outdoor adventures, and plenty of sunshine. But as beautiful as the Australian sun is, it also brings a higher risk of skin damage, especially during the summer when ultraviolet (UV) levels are at their highest.
Here’s a guide to keeping your skin safe this summer, with practical tips to help you enjoy the sunny weather while protecting your skin from harm.
What is UV Radiation?
Skin damage is often attributed to prolonged exposure to high UV radiation, a type of energy from the sun that’s invisible to the human eye. While minor UV exposure helps us produce Vitamin D in our bodies, overexposure to UV rays damages skin cells and can lead to more severe skin issues over time.
UV radiation comes in three forms:
- UVA: These rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing ageing, wrinkles, and long-term skin damage.
- UVB: UVB rays are shorter and primarily affect the skin’s surface, leading to sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
- UVC: The shortest and most intense of the rays, UVC rays don’t reach us because they are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere.
By understanding how UV radiation works, you can better protect yourself from the effects of these rays and minimise your chances of sun-related skin damage.
Why Summer Sun Protection Matters
Australia’s UV levels are intense all year round, but they peak during the summer months. During this time, the UV index, which measures the strength of UV radiation, can get so high in Australia that even a short time (11 minutes!) outside can lead to sunburn.
Getting too much exposure to UV radiation from the sun can significantly increase the risk factors for skin cancer later in life. This is especially concerning because Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world; nearly 19,000 Australians are estimated to be diagnosed with melanoma in 2024 alone.
Despite the data, only just over half of Australians are using three or more forms of sun protection when exposed to the sun during peak UV times. So before you head outside, it’s vital to take a few simple steps to protect yourself from harsh UV rays.
The SunSmart Steps
Protecting your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the Cancer Council of Australia devised five easy-to-remember SunSmart steps for this purpose: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide. Here are some easy ways to practice these steps:
- Slip (on sun protective clothing)
Covering up is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin from the sun:
- Opt for Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants: Light, loose clothing keeps you cool while still blocking the sun’s rays.
- Look for UPF Clothing: Clothes with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating are made to shield your skin from UV rays and offer excellent protection against the summer sun.
- Avoid Sheer Fabrics: Thin, see-through materials offer little protection from UV rays, especially compared to more tightly woven fabrics.
- Slop (on sunscreen every day)
Sunscreen is your first line of defence against harmful UV rays. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Choose SPF 30 or Higher: Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF30 rating to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply Generously: People often don’t use enough sunscreen, which can greatly reduce its effectiveness. The recommended amount for adults is about a teaspoon of sunscreen for each body part (face, arm, leg, and front and back torso).
- Reapply Every Two Hours: Sunscreen wears off, especially if swimming or sweating. Remember to reapply every few hours or right after getting out of the water.
- Remember the Small Areas: Areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet are often forgotten but can burn just as easily.
- Slap (a hat) and Slide (some sunglasses on)
We put these two steps together because they work well as a team! Putting on a hat and sunglasses can make a big difference in protecting your face and eyes, especially with the help of sunscreen:
- Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat: A broad-brimmed hat that covers your face, neck, and ears offers far better protection than a baseball cap or visor.
- Have a Pair of Sunglasses: Sunglasses aren’t just for style — look for lenses with 100% UV protection to safeguard your eyes from harmful rays.
- Seek (shade when possible)
One of the best ways to avoid intense UV exposure is to spend time in the shade, especially between 10 am to 4 pm:
- Find or Create Shade: If you’re at the beach or park, look for shady areas or bring an umbrella. Even in the shade, remember that UV rays can reflect off surfaces like sand and water, so be sure to keep that sunscreen on!
- Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely: Try to schedule any outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are lower.
More Tips for Protecting Your Skin This Summer
Besides practising the SunSmart steps, it’s important to stay hydrated during the hot days of summer. Beyond general health, drinking plenty of water — at least eight glasses daily, or more if you’re active — helps keep your skin moisturised and reduces dryness.
You can also use a lightweight moisturiser, ideally with SPF, to keep your skin hydrated and add an extra layer of protection. This can be done as part of your regular skincare routine. Additionally, an after-sun moisturiser also works well to soothe and hydrate your skin after spending time outdoors.
Finally, proactively checking your skin at regular intervals can be instrumental to catching any skin issues — sun-related or not — early, especially if you’re often outdoors. Look out for new or changing spots, moles, or freckles. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to get it checked by a doctor.
Even if you don’t notice any changes, a yearly skin check by a dermatologist is a smart move, especially if you have fair skin or a history of sunburn.
Keep Your Skin Safe This Summer
At Coolaroo Clinic, we’re here to support your health no matter the season, including taking care of your skin in the harsh Australian summer. Whether you need sun safety tips or a routine check-up, we can help you stay healthy and sun-smart.
Book a visit for a skin health check or to talk with our team about how best to protect yourself this summer.