The 5 biggest sun protection mistakes that Australians make
How, after all these years, do we still not know the answers to these most Australian of questions.
Despite many Australians growing up with the “slip, slop, slap” sun protection mantra, we’re still the country with the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Aussies will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they’re 70. So, what are we getting wrong when it comes to sun protection?
Mistake One: Only using sun protection when the temperature is high
The Cancer Council’s 2017 National Sun Protection Survey found that 90% of Australians weren’t sure exactly when they needed sun protection. Many thought a boiling hot day, cloud cover and even wind were key indicators of sunburn risk, despite these conditions having nothing to do with it.
When do we need to up our sun protection? When the UV levels hit three and above. Considering damaging UV rays are invisible — you can’t feel them or see them — it makes deciphering when to apply sun protection tricky. The Cancer Council’s SunSmart app can provide you with UV level alerts for your location, so you’re always across when you need to cover up.
Mistake Two: Skipping sunscreen on your eyelids and around your eyes
Think about it, how often do you apply sunscreen on your eyelids and all the skin real estate around your eyes? In 2017, researchers at the University of Liverpool found that, generally-speaking, people tended to miss around 10% of their face — especially their eyelids and eye area — when applying sunscreen. Considering up to 10% of skin cancers occur in this area, that’s a troubling statistic.
The skin around your eye area is extremely delicate and susceptible to sun damage, so take the time to ensure it’s protected.
Mistake Three: Not reapplying sunscreen frequently enough
No, applying sunscreen once in the morning does not guarantee you sun protection for the remainder of the day. According to a recent study published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 85% of people don’t apply enough sunscreen, so how can we get it right?
The Cancer Council recommends applying sunscreen 20 minutes before you head outdoors and reapplying it every two hours.
Swimming, exercising and drying yourself with a towel have the potential to decrease the effectiveness of sunscreen, so always reapply after these activities. When it comes to how much sunscreen to apply, there are guidelines to adhere to.
“An easy way to ensure you’re applying sufficient product is to think of seven teaspoons of product for full body protection — one teaspoon for each arm and leg, one teaspoon for both the torso and back, and one teaspoon for the face and neck,” explains Neutrogena scientific expert, Dr Michelle Stewart.
Mistake Four: Not wearing sun-safe clothing
Unfortunately those pesky UV rays can also penetrate your clothing, so opting for clothing, swimwear or rash vests with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50+ is a smart move.
“Regular clothing such as a white cotton T-shirt or hat may only have a UPF of five, equivalent to wearing SPF5 sunscreen. A rating of UPF50+ is the highest rating achievable on the market and blocks more than 98% of UV rays,” explains Dr Stewart.
Mistake Five: Forgetting to protect your lips
Coating your body in sunscreen but leaving the delicate skin on your lips bare is a recipe for sore, chapped lips and sun damage.
“Since the lips don’t tan or burn in the same way your skin does (lips don’t contain melanin), people don’t think about applying sunscreen but it’s important to remember our lips may prematurely age as a result of exposure to UV,” explains Emma Hobson, Education Manager for the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica.
Keep a lip balm with high SPF protection on you at all times to keep your lips protected and nourished.
Edwina Carr Barraclough is a Sydney-based lifestyle writer and editor. You can see more from her on Instagram or Facebook.