Sunlight plays a major role in the accelerated appearance of changes that we normally associate with skin aging. Chronic sun exposure is probably responsible for over 90% of the visible signs of aging in Australians.
Sun protection is the most important measure you can take to maintain more youthful looking skin and reduce the likelihood of cancer.
It is never too late to protect yourself from excessive sunlight as skin damage is cumulative. Small amounts of exposure continue to combine over time to harm your skin.
A suntan does not prevent skin cancer. It is a sign of exposure to enough ultraviolet radiation to damage the skin, increasing your risk of premature skin ageing, photoageing and skin cancer.
You don't need to be sun burnt to have skin damage from the sun. The damage done to the skin from even one episode of overexposure to the sun can never be repaired. That is why it is so important to make sun protection a routine part of your life, from birth to old age. Also make sure you protect your whole family.
Even when it's cool or cloudy, you're still at risk from ultraviolet radiation. The most dangerous months in Australia are January, December and February. Significant damage, however, can still occur from early Spring to late Autumn and even winter.
You need to be particularly careful if involved in any water or snow activities, as water and snow reflects large amounts of ultraviolet light.
The Australian outdoor lifestyle can still be enjoyed provided sensible precautions are taken.
Natural protection from sunlight is the best way to reduce the short and long term effects related to overexposure. Natural protection includes:
- Avoid or minimise your time in the sun between 10 and 2 when ultraviolet light is at it’s strongest.
- Wear a protective broad-brimmed hat
- Seek shade when outdoors in strong sunlight
- Wear sunglasses.
- The use of sunscreens should be seen as an add-on to natural protection, not a substitute.
- Use a SPF30+ Broad Spectrum, water resistant sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin.
- Sunscreens should ideally be applied 15 minutes before going outdoors.
- Apply generously and be careful not to miss any areas.
- When outdoors, reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming.
- Water-resistant sunscreens are best for water sports, and if you are active or likely to perspire whilst outdoors.
Source; Australian College of Dermatologists
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