The Importance of Sun Protection for Skin Health

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Should you protect your skin from the Sun?

Everyone should protect their skin from the damaging effects of the sun, but double down on those efforts if you’re a breast cancer survivor or if you’re undergoing treatment for breast cancer or any other malignancy. Chemotherapy may make skin more vulnerable to the harms of UV rays, and radiation may have already caused skin redness or burns.

Is sun safety always in season?

Sun safety is always in season. It’s important to protect your skin from sun damage throughout the year, no matter the weather. Why? Sun exposure can cause sunburn, skin aging (such as skin spots, wrinkles, or “leathery skin”), eye damage, and skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S.

Does sunscreen protect against sunburn?

As a first line of defense against sunburn, sunscreen protects skin cells from DNA damage that can drive premature aging of the skin and the development of skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF). But how does sunscreen work? Here, we take a deep look at how specific sunscreen ingredients contribute to sun protection.

When do you need sun protection?

Sun protection isn’t only needed during peak UV times, it’s needed whenever the UV is 3 and above. This is when you’ll need to protect your skin in five ways—slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. Sun protection generally isn’t necessary when UV levels are below 3, to promote vitamin D.

How do I know if I need sun protection?

You can also use the free SunSmart app to view sun protection times and current UV levels. Sun protection measures are recommended when the UV Index is 3 and above. Remember you can still get burnt on cool or cloudy days – so think UV, not heat. Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide | Hobart | Canberra | Darwin

Why is sun protection important in Australia?

This makes sun protection very important for all Australians. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye damage and skin cancer. UV damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

How do I know if my child needs sun protection?

Check if sun protection is required before heading out (see the free SunSmart app or Bureau of Meteorology) – if the UV index is 3 (moderate) or higher, make sure your child’s skin is protected. UV levels are usually 3 or higher from mid-August to the end of April in Victoria.

What Is Sun Protection

1. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety
2. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/
3. https://www.cancersa.org.au/prevention/sunsmart/fast-facts-about-sun-protection/

Sun Protection Information

1. https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/sun-radiation
2. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Safety_Sun_protection/