Sun protection
There is huge variability in ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels across Australia. In Victoria from September to April, when average UV levels are 3 and above sun protection is required. At this level, the UV radiation is strong enough to damage the skin and eyes. When the UV is below 3, sun protection is not required unless near reflective surfaces such as snow or outside for extended periods.
When the UV Index reaches 3 and above, using a combination of five steps to protect against sun damage is recommended:
- Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
- Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen – make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant. Apply 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply every two hours
- Slap on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears
- Seek shade
- Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.
By taking these steps you can:
- minimise freckling, wrinkling and ageing of the skin
- minimise the risk of eye damage
- avoid sunburn and tanning
- reduce your lifetime UV exposure. Reducing lifetime exposure to UV by 20% is estimated to result in about one third fewer cases of skin cancer in Australia
- ultimately reduce your skin cancer risk.
The following are some typical activities where Australians typically report sunburn and tanning:
Protecting your family
When the UV level reaches 3 and above, babies under 12 months should not be exposed to direct UV and should be well protected from the sun.
Sun protection for people with naturally very dark skin
People with naturally very dark skin (known as skin type 5 or 6) still need to take care in the sun even though they may rarely, if ever, get sunburnt.
Sunscreen calculator
The sunscreen calculator provides an approximate amount of sunscreen required for one full body application based on your size and clothing cover.
Also refer to:
- Creating effective shade: shade audit tool
- SunSmart UV Alert
- Being SunSmart in Victoria fact sheet for general information about skin cancer, vitamin D and when and how to be SunSmart
- SunSmart resources to find sun protection information in other languages
- World Health Organization, Intersun Programme for frequently asked questions relating to individual protection against UV radiation
- Sunburn for more information about skin damage, degrees of sunburn and treatment
