- Make sure you’re doing all ‘Five S’s’ in combination when you’re outdoors: Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.
- Try to stay out of the sun in the middle part of the day. When it comes to protecting your skin, it’s much better to head out early in the morning, and late in the afternoon, when the UV is generally weakest.
- Take advantage of any natural or built shade when outdoors.
- Choose a sunscreen that is SPF50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum and water-resistant.
- Try and wear clothing and swimwear that comes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of UPF50 or UPF50+. This means the material itself and the level of coverage it provides will be doing a good job of protecting you from UV rays.
- When you buy sunglasses, make sure they meet the Australian Standard on the label (AS1067, category 2, 3 or 4). You don’t have to spend a lot of money. For instance, you can find a wide range of high-quality sunglasses that meet the standard at our online Cancer Council store for around $25 to $50. Watch out for “fashion sunglasses” that may actually do more harm than good, and try to buy close-fitting, “wraparound” style sunglasses that will protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
- Every little thing you do to reduce your exposure makes a difference. For example, when heading to the shops or to the beach, consider taking shade with you in the form of an umbrella or cabana.