How To Be Sun Smart In The Illawarra This Summer
Stay safe with these tips
There’s no doubt the sun in the Illawarra can really sting during the warmer months [or, let’s be honest, sometimes all year round].
And being so spoiled for choice with incredible local beaches, pools, and crackin’ beer gardens for an arvo sesh, we’re an outdoorsy bunch!
So here’s a timely reminder [this year the UV has already been extra high it seems] about looking after ourselves and making sure we’re Sun Smart when we’re out making the most of our region
SUNSCREEN // APPLY IT RIGHT
Correct application of sunscreen is super important.
Here’s some basic tips to help you get this part right.
Apply 20 minutes before exposure to UV in order to create the intended protective barrier.
Apply liberally and evenly to clean and dry skin.
For an adult, the recommended application is 5ml [approximately one teaspoon] for each arm, leg, body front, body back and face [including your neck and ears].
That adds up to a total of 35ml or seven teaspoons for a full body application. For this reason, it’s worth grabbing sunscreen products with a pump top dispenser and clear instructions on how many pumps to apply to make sure you’re getting adequate protection.
APPLY IT AGAIN
Being proactive about re-applying sunscreen will help you stay protected if you’re outdoors at somewhere like the beach or working outside for a long period of time.
Reapply at least every two hours irrespective of the water resistance of the sunscreen. And remember that swimming, playing sport, sweating and towel drying can reduce the effectiveness of the product, so always reapply [on dry and clean] skin after those activities.
APPLY THE RIGHT STUFF
If you’re interested in natural sunscreens, which use zinc as a physical UV blocker and there are some great natural sunscreen products available now – some include Wotnot, Moogoo and Invisible Zinc.
Always check the one you are looking at is TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration] approved, water resistant, SPF 30 or above, and broad spectrum.
But we’ve seen sunscreens that are less than SPF30. Why should it be a minimum of SPF30?
From what we understand, The Cancer Council has shared research that shows SPF30 sunscreen filters 96.7% of UV radiation and SPF50 filters 98% – they’re pretty good numbers!
And what is ‘broad spectrum ‘and why is it important?
Well, it seems there are two types of UV radiation – UVA and UVB. UVA penetrates deep into the skin, affecting living cells that lie under the skin’s surface causing long-term damage like wrinkles and sagging, and it also contributes to skin cancer.
UVB radiation penetrates the top layer of skin and is the main cause of skin damage and skin cancer. Broad spectrum sunscreen filters both UVA and UVB.
And FYI:
The Cancer Council warns against using aerosol sunscreens as the amount you need to ensure adequate protection is quite large, sometimes using half the bottle for one application which can work out to be quite expensive.
That’s why we like the pump pack options.
What about for kids?
Go for something with a handy pump top and a non-greasy formula so it is easy to apply.
BRING IN THE SUN SMART ARSENAL
Sunscreen shouldn’t be our only line of defence!
The Cancer Council’s guidelines for being Sun Smart are easy to remember and follow:
- SLIP on sun protective clothing.
- SLOP on SPF30 or broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen.
- SLAP on a broad brim hat.
- SEEK shade when possible.
- SLIDE on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards.
And remember that sunburn is caused by UV radiation, which is not related to temperature.
So even when it’s cloudy and a bit cooler outside, you should be following these guidelines and keeping yourself and your family protected.
