How to be SunSmart

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

slip 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 absorb 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 absorb 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.
slop 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.
   
slap 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.
seek 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.
slide 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.

To learn more about being SunSmart, visit the Cancer Foundation website at http://www.cancerwa.asn.au/