It's UV that counts in summer for sun protection

Sun protection is vitally important at this time of year. But it is not temperature that counts when choosing to protect yourself. 

In Victoria, from September through to the end of April, average UV levels are 3 and above which is when eyes and skin (both tanning and sunburn) can be damaged and the risk of skin cancer increases. We are now seeing UV levels reach 12.

So at this time of year, whether it's 20 degrees or 40 degrees, and even if it's overcast or cloudy, make sure you protect yourself when outside:

1. Slip on sun-protective clothing - that covers as much skin as possible
2. Slop on SPF30+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen - put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards
3. Slap on a hat - that protects your face, head, neck and ears
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet the Australian Standard.

To find out UV levels, and the times of the day that sun protection is needed, check the SunSmart UV Alert in the weather section of daily newspapers or on the home page of SunSmart. During the day live UV levels for Melbourne can be found at ARPANSA.

Particular care should be taken between 10 am and 3 pm when UV Index levels reach their peak.

It is important to achieve a balance between getting enough sun for vitamin D and avoiding skin cancer. From September to April, just a few minutes of UV exposure to the face, arms and hands or equivalent area of skin outside of peak UV times (10am - 3pm) should be enough for most people to maintain vitamin D levels. People with naturally very dark skin may need three to six times this amount.