Essential tips to look after your skin health

Australians have long been aware of the high risk of skin cancer in our sunny country and how dangerous sun exposure can be without the right protection.

According to a recent study¹, while 79% of Australians understand the importance of looking after their skin, nearly three-quarters (72%) admit they could be doing more to protect themselves from skin cancer.

The Australian sun can be unforgiving, and its impact on health is significant. Here are some essential tips to keep your skin healthy and protected come cloud or shine.

Apply sunscreen daily – even when it seems unnecessary

It’s tempting to skip the sunscreen on cloudy days, but overcast skies don’t necessarily mean reduced UV radiation. Even on days when you’re not planning on spending much time outside, there are plenty of moments of incidental sun exposure to consider.

Whether you’re driving, sitting near a sunny window, or taking a quick stroll, UV rays are always present, and sunscreen is your first line of defence.

Only 44% of Australians apply sunscreen daily, and 17% only use it when they’ll be outdoors for extended periods. Adding sunscreen to your everyday routine – focusing on areas like the face, neck, arms, and legs – is a simple and effective step to prevent skin cancer.

Remember, sunscreen takes about 20 minutes to fully absorb, and reapplying throughout the day will keep you protected.

Make a habit of checking the UV index

Australia is known for having a high UV index, but many of us tend to overlook it, which can be a dangerous mistake to make.

Shockingly, 71% of Australians rarely or never check UV levels, leaving millions at risk of sun damage.

The UV Index can range from low (1-2) to extreme (11+). It’s advisable to use sun protection any time the UV index is above 3, which in Australia, is most days during the summer months. This is why taking preventive measures is so crucial.

You can easily find the UV index on weather apps, in the newspaper, or on the Bureau of Meteorology website. Cancer Council Australia also offers a free SunSmart Global UV app. It’s a good habit to check the UV index alongside the temperature, especially during summer.

Ask about relevant screenings or tests based on your age and personal health risks. Preventive assessments, from blood work to skin cancer screenings, can help detect potential issues or early-stage diseases.

Learn the signs and do a skin self-check

Skin cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be spotted with the naked eye, meaning you can detect suspicious changes in your skin if you stay vigilant.

Keep an eye out for new spots or changes to existing moles or freckles, especially those that alter in size, shape or colour. The early stages of skin cancer are often the easiest to catch. Regular self-checks are a simple but potentially life-saving way to look after your skin.

By getting into the habit of monitoring your skin, you can act quickly if you notice anything unusual. If something seems off during a self-check, schedule a visit with your GP, dermatologist, or a skin cancer clinic as soon as possible.

We Aussies love our sunshine, but to enjoy it safely, we need to make sure we protect ourselves and stay skin safe.

¹ The survey was conducted by Edentify Pty Ltd in October 2023, with a sample of 1,000 respondents aged 18-65+ in Australia.