5 Step Approach To Sun Protection

When the SunSmart UV Alert is issued, Cancer Council recommends a five-step approach to sun protection:

Slip on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible.
Slop on SPF30+ sunscreen – make sure it is broad spectrum and water resistant Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun
Slap on a hat – that protects your face, head, neck and ears
Seek shade
Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian standards

Sunscreen tips

The Cancer Council recommends that the average-sized adult should apply at least a teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm, leg, front of body and back of body and at least half a teaspoon to the face (including the ears and neck). That is, 35mL of sunscreen for one full body application.
Put your sunscreen on 20 minutes before going outdoors to give it time to properly disperse and settle on your skin. Don’t rub it in too much – the skin will absorb it.
Apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin – if you want to use moisturiser and make-up, it should be applied on top of sunscreen.
Always check and follow the use-by date on sunscreen.
Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more regularly if you are swimming or perspiring a lot.
Never use sunscreen to extend the amount of time you would spend in the sun.
Sunscreen should be stored at a temperature below 30ºC. If left in excessive heat (e.g. in the glove box of a hot car or in the sun on the beach), over time, the product may not work as well.

Tips for parents and carers to minimise exposure of babies to UV radiation:

Plan the day’s activities to minimise the baby’s exposure to the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm.
Cover as much of the baby’s skin as possible with loose-fitting clothes and wraps made from closely woven fabrics.
Choose a hat with a broad-brim or in a legionnaire style so the baby’s face, neck and ears are protected. For young babies, choose a design that will crumple easily when the baby puts their head down.
Make use of available shade and provide shade for the baby’s pram, stroller or play area. The material used should cast a dark shadow. The baby will still need to be protected from scattered and reflected UV radiation.
Check the baby’s clothing, hat and shade positioning regularly to ensure he/she continues to be well protected from UV radiation.
Apply an SPF30+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen to small areas of skin that cannot be protected by clothing (such as face, ears and backs of hands). Sunscreen will need to be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or more often if it has been wiped or washed off. Test the sunscreen on a small area of the baby or toddler’s skin to check for any skin reactions.
Use a shade visor or hang a blanket over the side windows in the car. The laminated glass on front windscreens usually have UPF ratings of 70 or higher and block more than 98% of UV radiation, but the side and back windows don’t offer as good protection, usually about UPF15 or less (blocking up to 93% of UV radiation). To provide adequate sun protection, products should have a UPF of 70 or higher.45

What to do if you are sunburnt

• Give your skin the time it needs to repair and build up another protective barrier of cells.
• Stay out of the direct sun until the redness, peeling and pain have disappeared.
• When you go out, stay in the shade, slap on a hat, slip on protective clothing, make sure the sunburnt area is also covered, and apply plenty of sunscreen. Try to maintain this habit even when the sunburn has gone away.

Other tips:

• Drink plenty of water to replenish your fluid levels.
• As soon as it becomes comfortable to do so, apply a moisturising cream to the burnt area to keep it moist and supple. Even though it will not prevent peeling, moisturising will help prevent the new skin below from drying out.
• Chemists stock a range of sunburn treatments that can be rubbed or sprayed on to the skin.
• For severe sunburn, or if you are experiencing blistering, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or severe pain, you should see a doctor immediately.