Summer time is now here and while we love our long hot days and balmy summer nights in Australia, we also need to stay sun smart.

Selecting the right sunscreen for you and your family is important and something we need to pay close attention to, especially as our summers get hotter and longer.

And there are good reasons to pay attention, as the latest research on skin cancer has revealed that alarmingly around two in three Australians will develop skin cancers in their lifetime − and that rate is steadily increasing.  

Pharmacy 777 has some tips for being sun smart this summer and outlines how to choose the right sunscreen for Australia’s climate:

1. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen, this will protect against UVA and UVB rays: UVA rays are the ones that prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn.

2. Make sure the sunscreen you choose has a minimum sun protection factor of (SPF) 30 – 50+ is even better: This will give you the best protection against our harsh sunshine. 

3. Water resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. Reapply sunscreen after swimming or exercise: Unfortunately, sunscreen is not set and forget, applying once a day will not protect you all day, don’t forget to reapply every two hours and after a swim or exercise.

4. Check the UV index each day. The Cancer Council recommends sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or higher: Following Cancer Council advice keeps your sun smart.

5. Don’t use last summer’s sunscreen, as it loses its effectiveness over time: Make sure you buy fresh sunscreen every summer, as it will give you the best protection.

6. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading out into the sun and use it liberally, an adult application is at least 7 teaspoons: Don’t apply it when you get to the beach or pool, it needs time to settle in to your skin to be effective. 

7. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months: Please be careful if you’re taking a small child out into the heat, especially between the hottest hours of the day 12-2pm.
    

The Cancer Council recommends you follow the five S’s this summer: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide:

1. Slip: on some sun protection such as a rashie or a long sleeve t-shirt.

2. Slop: on some SPF 30-50+ sunscreen.

3. Slap: on a hat.

4. Seek: some shade to protect yourself and cool down.

5. Slide: on some sunglasses to protect your eyes.
    

For more information visit:  

https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen