SCHOOL EDUCATION
Sun protection
Protect yourself in five ways from skin cancer:
- Apply SPF30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen liberally to clean, dry skin, at least 15 minutes before being exposed to the sun, and reapply at least every two hours when outdoors
- Put on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears
- Wear sun protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible
- Seek shade
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses
What is UVA radiation?
UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin, affecting the living skin cells that lie under your skin's surface. UVA causes long-term damage like wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and discoloration, and also contributes to skin cancer.
What is UVB radiation?
UVB radiation penetrates the top layer of skin and is the main cause of skin tanning and sunburn.
What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?
SPF – or Sun Protection Factor – is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from UV radiation.
SPF is calculated by comparing the amount of time it takes to produce the first sign of redness on unprotected skin versus the time taken to produce redness on skin that has been protected.
For example:
If your unprotected skin reddens in 10 minutes then an SPF 30 sunscreen will give you 300 minutes of protection. (This an example only and the time it takes your skin to show the first signs of reddening will vary.)
Currently, the Australian regulatory authorities allow a maximum rating of SPF30+ for sunscreens sold in Australia.
