Ask anyone overseas what they know about Australia, and you can bet they’ll say two things: the glorious weather, and our love of the great outdoors. They’re 100% right, but these privileges come at a price.
Every year, Australians are diagnosed with skin cancers at a rate two to three times higher than those in Canada, the US, and the UK. We have one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world. Skin cancers account for around 80% of all newly diagnosed cancers in Australia each year, and most of these skin cancers are caused by one thing: sun exposure.
Did you know just 15 minutes outside can be enough to cause sunburn? In the height of summer when the UV index is at its highest, it can take just 7 minutes to cause sun damage.
The solution is simple, and we’ve had it drummed into us since childhood: slip, slop, slap! But what about the new unsung hero that’s the most effective way to protect your skin?
Let’s look at the top 3 ways for Australians to stay safe.
1. Slop on that sunscreen.
An SPF50+ sunscreen is a must year-round. Apply it to your face, arms and neck at least 20 minutes before leaving the house, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours while you’re out and about. Remember, you can still get sunburnt on overcast days, so don’t skimp on the sunscreen just because it’s cloudy outside.
We’ve created a broad-spectrum, organic SPF50+ sunscreen that’s made from natural, vegan ingredients and works wonderfully for sensitive skin and is suitable for anyone over 3 months old.
2. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
The perfect sunhat is one that shields your face and neck from the sun. The Cancer Council recommends a wide brim – at least 6cm wide for adults, and 5cm for children – or a legionnaire hat with a neck flap. Baseball caps might look cool, but they don’t stack up when it comes to sun protection.
Even if your hat shades your face well, you can still get sunburnt from UV rays reflecting off the water, sand, or even snow, which according to the World Health Organisation has the potential to double your UV exposure! So, always wear your hat in combination with a good sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
3. Slip on some sun-protective clothing
The newest kid on the block – and by far the most effective – is UPF-rated clothing. Clothing designed to reflect UVA and UVB rays offers far better protection than sunscreen and hats. Luckily, these days there are plenty of sun-protective clothing options designed specifically for our climate here in Australia.
A sun-protective base layer is a versatile choice, and can be worn on its own or under another top or t-shirt. Made with a nylon and polyurethane blend, these tops provide UPF50+ protection against 98% of UVA and UVB rays. They also help keep you cool, and can reduce body temperature by up to 5 degrees Celcius. Available in a range of colours, with regular and high-neck options, they’ll quickly become your go-to summer staple for any outdoor activities.
Another great option is a shoulder wrap, which gives you all the arm-covering benefits of a base layer without the extra bulk around the torso. Lightweight, breathable, and suitable for virtually any outdoor activity, our shoulder wraps are machine washable and quick-drying, so you can wash and wear them throughout the summer. They’re perfect if you’re playing sports or doing vigorous work like gardening outside because they won’t slip or slide as you bend, lift, hit or throw.
Or, if you’d prefer something you can whip on and off easily throughout the day, you might prefer a pair of sun sleeves. These are the most popular type of sun-protective clothing.
Sun sleeves are an excellent choice if you’re looking for sun-protective clothing in parts of Australia where the climate can be a tad unpredictable – we’re looking at you, Melbourne! Our sun sleeves are available in a range of sizes and colours, as well as a thumbhole style which offers additional protection for your hands.
Ultimately, in Australia, you need to hit the trifecta of the sun-safe system. Protective clothing is one of the easiest to adopt because it doesn’t require reapplication, protects against both forms of damaging UV rays, and it’s cost-effective.
