In short:
As warmer weather arrives, sun protection is recommended whenever the UV Index reaches three or above. Government authorities recommend sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade to reduce exposure to harmful UV.
Reminder To Stay Safe As Weather Warms
As the weather heats up, everyone is reminded to stay sun safe and protect themselves from harmful UV radiation when spending time outdoors.
The Bureau of Meteorology recommends sun protection whenever the UV Index reaches three or above, with higher UV levels increasing the potential for damage to the skin and eyes.
UV levels are also not directly related to temperature, meaning sunburn and skin damage can still occur on cool or cloudy days.
When choosing sunscreen, the Therapeutic Goods Administration recommends SPF30 or higher.
According to the TGA, SPF30 filters around 97 per cent of UVB rays when correctly applied, while SPF50 filters around 98 per cent.
Sunscreen Is A Good Place To Start
Sunscreen should be applied generously to exposed skin before heading outside and reapplied at least every two hours, or more frequently after swimming, sweating or towelling off.
But sunscreen should not be the only form of protection.
The Bureau of Meteorology recommends wearing sun-protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, head, neck and ears, along with seeking shade and wearing close-fitting or wrap-around sunglasses.
If you’re heading to the beach or pool, remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming or towelling off and use other forms of sun protection where possible.
Most importantly, check the UV forecast before heading outside rather than relying on how hot or sunny the day feels.
