Getting ready for summer
Summer is coming! This means many wonderful things like long warm days, beach walks, barbecue dinners and backyard cricket.
Australia also has some of the highest UV levels in the world, so a little preparation now makes the whole season easier on your skin.
Before the heat arrives, take stock of what you’ve got.
Check your sunscreen. Sunscreen has an expiry date, and the bottle at the bottom of last summer’s beach bag may be past it. If it’s expired, has separated, or has been baking in a hot car, replace it. Look for SPF 50+, broad-spectrum and water-resistant. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Check your skin. Spring is a good time to look over your own skin, including the spots that rarely see daylight. You’re looking for new spots, or existing ones that have changed in size, shape or colour. If anything looks different, book in with a professional and have it checked!
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide
The classic Cancer Council sun safety message has grown from three steps to five, and all of them are worth following:
Slip on sun-protective clothing. Long sleeves and collars in a lightweight, tightly woven fabric cover a lot of skin without making you sweat. Look for a UPF rating.
Slop on sunscreen. See below for how to apply it properly.
Slap on a hat. Wide-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire styles protect your face, ears and neck. A baseball cap leaves your ears and neck exposed.
Seek shade, especially in the middle of the day when UV is strongest.
Slide on sunglasses. Wrap-around styles that meet the Australian standard protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
Sunscreen - are you using enough?
It is the classic story of “but I put sunscreen on!” while sporting a lobster red glow! Most of us are simply not putting enough sunscreen on, or not reapplying often enough.
Here are some tips for proper sunscreen application:
Use about a teaspoon for each limb, a teaspoon each for the front and back of your torso, and a teaspoon for your face, neck and ears. That adds up to roughly seven teaspoons (about 35 ml) for a full body.
Apply it about 20 minutes before heading outside, so it has time to settle on your skin.
Reapply every two hours, and straight after swimming, towelling off, or heavy sweating. Water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof.
Don’t forget the easy-to-miss spots: ears, the back of your neck, tops of your feet, hairline or part, and lips (use an SPF lip balm).
Sunscreen is one layer of protection, not all of it. It works best alongside clothing, a hat and shade, and it doesn’t make it safe to stay out in the sun for longer.
Know your UV index
Heat and UV aren’t the same thing. You can get sunburnt even on a mild, cloudy day. Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV index reaches 3 or above, which in most of Australia is nearly every day in summer. Check the daily UV forecast in a weather app or the SunSmart app, and plan outdoor activities for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when you can.
Sunburn happens
We are all human and make mistakes! If you do get burnt, cool the skin with a cool (not icy) shower or compress, moisturise with a gentle, fragrance-free product, drink plenty of water, and stay out of the sun while it heals. If you experience blistering, fever or severe pain seek medical attention.
Here is a quick pre-summer checklist
Replace old or expired sunscreen
Stock up on SPF 50+ for home, bag and work
Pick out a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses
Find some good sun-protective clothing
Book a skin check if you’re due or if you are concerned about anything
Download a UV index app
The bottom line
Looking after your skin is about habits, not hiding from summer. A hat by the door, sunscreen in the bag and a quick check of the UV forecast will let you enjoy everything the season has to offer. Your future self will thank you!
Are you concerned about any spots on your body? Has it been more than 12 months since your last skin check? Head on over to our website https://www.gawlerbarossaskincancerclinic.com.au/ There you can read more about our Doctors and melanographer, see our pricing structure and book in your skin check.
Or give us a call on (08) 75579611
We can’t wait to meet you.
For more information on sun safety visit https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/campaigns-and-events/slip-slop-slap-seek-slide
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