FAQs about sun protection

 

I was burnt a lot as a child, is it too late to start protecting myself now?

While sun exposure in the first 10 years of life determines a person's lifetime potential for skin cancer, sun exposure in later life determines the extent to which this potential is realised. Improved sun protection at any age reduces your risk of skin cancer.

Does a tan naturally protect you from the sun?

A natural tan offers very limited sun protection, usually similar to an SPF 4 sunscreen depending on your skin type.

Why did I still get sunburnt – I used sunscreen?

There's more to sun protection than sunscreen. No sunscreen provides complete protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Always use sunscreen together with shade, sun protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Sunscreen also needs to be carefully applied and reapplied: apply it liberally, to dry skin, 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.

I have fair skin and burn quickly, which sunscreen is best for me to use?

For all skin types we recommend SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen. Always use sunscreen with other sun protection, so also Slip! Slap! Seek! and Slide!

Why do I still get sunburnt on my face even though I regularly wear a hat?

Hats shade your face. A good sun protective hat will shade your eyes, scalp, face, neck and ears. Baseball caps are not recommended – they shade your eyes, scalp and forehead only. To protect against reflected UV radiation it is important to also use sunscreen and sunglasses.

My make up has sunscreen in it – do I still need to use sunscreen?

Foundation and moisturiser that contains sunscreen is fine if you are outside for a short time such as a quick trip to the shops or hanging the washing. If you know you are going to be in the sun for longer, use a separate sunscreen and reapply it every two hours. Be aware that most cosmetics offer less protection than the SPF30+ recommended.

If I get a ‘base tan' from a solarium before summer starts, will it help to stop me burning?

Solariums emit UV radiation that is up to five times stronger than the midday sun, so they can damage your skin even more than a ‘natural' suntan. Research shows that using a solarium can significantly increase your risk of melanoma. There is no safe way to tan.

Does a fake tan provide protection?

Fake tanning lotion does not improve your body's ability to protect itself from the sun, so you will still need sun protection. Some fake tans have sunscreen in them but this only works for the first two hours after application.

Can I get sunburnt in the car?

Glass reduces but does not block all UV radiation from passing through. You can still get burnt, particularly if you spend long periods of time in the car. Use sunscreen also.

Can I get sunburnt through building windows?

House window glass filters out about 90% of UV radiation, and office windows filter out about 97.5%. Where windows are located under deep eaves, verandahs or awnings, less UV radiation will be transmitted. In general, UV radiation through the windows of buildings poses little risk to people unless they are spending extended periods of time close to a window that receives the direct sun.

Will I become vitamin D deficient if I use sun protection?

Sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. When UV levels are high, most people get enough vitamin D through normal activity, even with sun protection.

In summer, a few minutes of sun exposure outside peak UV periods provides adequate vitamin D.

During winter, two to three hours of sun exposure spread throughout the week is sufficient for vitamin D in southern states.

People at risk of vitamin D deficiency may require longer times outside and supplements.

UV Alert

For: Melbourne, 14 Mar

Sun Protection required: 10:20 am to 4:40 pm

Alert: 8

Other locations around Victoria

What is the UV Alert?

Other SunSmart FAQs:

Slip on a Shirt Slop on Sunscreen Slap on a Hat Seek Shade Slide on some Sunglasses