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How to be SunSmart

By following five simple sun protection steps, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer. 

To learn more about being SunSmart choose from the headings below:

Protect yourself in five ways from skin cancer

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1. Slip on protective clothing

Look for:

  • Clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Materials that have a close weave for higher UV protection.
  • Darker colours which asorb more UV radiation.
  • Cotton, polyester/cotton and linen materials. They are lightweight, cool to wear and when tightly woven can protect against 95% of UV radiation.
  • Some clothing is treated to asorb UV. Look for a material with high UV Protection Factor (UPF), which explains how much sun protection the material provides.
  • Materials that maintain their sun protective value when wet, such as lycra.

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2. Slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen

Sunscreen should not be relied on as the only form of sun protection.

No sunscreen provides 100% UV protection - remember to use in combination with protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

Look for a sunscreen that:

  • Has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+.
  • Is labelled 'broad spectrum' - this will filter both UVA and UVB radiation.
  • Is water resistant -  less likely to be washed off by water activities or sweat.
  • Meets Australians standards  - look for 'AUST L' or 'AS/NZS 2604:98' on the label.
  • Has a valid expiry date.
How to apply sunscreen
  • Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors to clean, dry skin.
  • Layer sunscreen onto exposed skin (like icing a cake). Do not rub it in.
  • Apply a thick layer of sunscreen - most people do not use enough.
  • Reapply every two hours or more often if in water, sweating or towel drying.
  • Remember your lips (a common skin cancer site). A zinc or lip balm will provide longer lasting protection than a cream.

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3. Slap on a hat

Slap on a hat that provides as much shade as possible to your face, head, neck, ears and eyes.  There are three main styles of hats that provide adequate sun protection:

  • Broad brimmed hats - with a brim of at least 7.5 cm.
  • Bucket or 'surfie-style' hats - with a deep crown and brim of at least 6 cm.
  • Legionnaire hats, which have a flap that covers the neck.

Baseball caps and visors are not recommended as they leave the ears and the back of the neck exposed.

 

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4. Seek shade

Staying in the shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce sun exposure, but remember that other sun protection measures (clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen) should also be used to avoid reflected UV radiation.

Whatever you use for shade, be it trees, built shade structures or some form of portable shade, make sure it casts a dark shadow.

 

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5. Slide on some sunglasses

Sunglasses can protect your eyes against UV radiation.

When choosing sunglasses look for:

  • Frames that fit close to the face.
  • Wrap around styles that reduce UV entering from the sides.
  • Sunglasses that meet Australian standards.
  • Sunglasses that have an eye protection factor (EPF) of 10
  • If you wear prescription glasses consider adding a UV protective coating, attaching protective shades or wearing prescription sunglasses.

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When to use sun protection?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels from the sun are highest during the middle of the day so take exta care to be SunSmart between the hours of 10am and 3pm.

UV radiation levels are higher in northern Western Australia compared to southern areas of the state. In some parts of northern Western Australia the levels of UV remain high all year round, making sun protection important even in the winter months.

Visit the Bureau of Meterology website to view average monthly UV levels in Western Australia.

How to use the SunSmart UV alert?

The SunSmart UV Alert is a tool that you can help you protect yourself from UV radiation. It tells you the times during the day when you need to use sun protection.

The SunSmart UV Alert is issued by the Bureau of Meterology when the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above. Above this level, the sun can damage your skin and eyes and  may lead to skin cancer. So whenever the SunSmart UV alert times apply, you need to use sun protection.

The SunSmart UV Alert can be found on the weather page of all Australian daily newspapers, on the Bureau of Meteorology website at  http://www.bom.gov.au/products/uvindex_national.shtml for over 200 locations across Australia, and on some radio and mobile phone weather forecasts.

 

SunSmart UV alert

For more information on UV radiation levels in your local are visit the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) website.

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Where to buy SunSmart products

A wide range of SunSmart products including sunscreen, swim wear, protective clothing, hats and sunglasses can be purchased from the online shop or at the Cancer Council WA store located at 334 Rokeby Road, Subiaco.

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