Many tourists to Australia come for the sun, hoping to soak up some rays while relaxing on one of its world-famous beaches. And while the sun is a massive part of Australia’s attraction, it has also given the country the undesirable moniker of the world’s “Skin Cancer Capital.”
It is why you must protect yourself from UV rays while you are in Australia. Staying out of the sun will help keep your skin against long-term and potential harm such as the aging process, sun spots, wrinkles, and cancer, as well as the unpleasant discomfort of sunburn. National Skin Cancer Action Week, sponsored by the Cancer Council, is a perfect time to review your routines for sun protection in Australia, so keep reading to learn how to stay “sun-wise”.
Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
To protect your skin from UV rays:
- Put on some sun-protective gear.
- Use long-sleeved tops and full-length pants made of tightly woven textiles like linen or cotton to provide yourself with the most protection.
- Look for swimsuits made of lycra, as this fabric still provides UV protection even when wet.
Wear Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Apply a widespread, water-resistant sunscreen with 30 or even higher SPF. Make sure you repeat applying sunscreen every two hours and be extra careful if you sweat or swim a lot. SPF 15 sunscreen will not slash it in Australia; you will need SPF 30 or 50 with UVA and UVB coverage to be adequately protected.
Remember that sunscreen will not make you spend more time in the sun; instead, move to the shade or wear UV-protective clothing to reduce your UV exposure. A tan is not a sign of being healthy but more of sun damage; therefore, use fake tanners if you want to look bronzed.
UV damage in the workplace is thought to cause 34,000 skin cancers and 200 melanomas detected every year in Australia. So, it is essential to wear sunscreen whether you go to Australia for work or leisure.
Always Cover Your Face, Neck, and Eyes
Put on a hat with a wide brim to shield your neck, face, nose, ears, and scalp from the sun. Because a cap only covers the top half of your face, choose a style that shields more significant portions of skin from the sun. Look for hats with a tight weave so that no UV rays can pass through the fabric’s perforations.
After a long duration of sun exposure, seek shade. Sticking to dark regions is a reliable approach to avoid damage to the skin by reducing or altogether preventing exposure to the sun. For additional sun protection in Australia, sit behind trees or shelters at the park and bring an umbrella to the beach to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
To shield your eyes from the sun, put on sunglasses. It is just as vital to protect your eyes against UV exposure as it is to protect your body, so seek a pair of close-fitting sunglasses that meet Australian UV protection requirements for lenses. Because peripheral light can sneak in from the edges of your frames, the form of your glasses can be substantial. If you enjoy being outside, consider investing in a set of wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from all angles.
People who love outdoor activities in Australia are exposed to up to ten times more sunlight than those who stay indoors, putting them at a higher risk of skin damage and cancer. Because of this raised danger, it is suggested that outdoor people utilise sun protection at all times of the
