How to be Sun Safe in Summer

Although it may not be immediately visible, sun exposure can damage the skin over time, resulting in signs of premature skin ageing and increasing your risk of skin cancer over your lifetime. So how do you stay safe in the sun this summer?

Wearing sun protection in the form of a high SPF sunscreen is only one step to minimising the effects of sun damage. This 101 guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to protect your skin, including face and body sunscreen recommendations from our Anthelios range.

Our tips on how to be sun safe

Adopting a few daily sun-safe habits can change the fate of your skin. Implement our easy-to-follow sun safety tips to achieve maximum protection in the summer months.

Wear sun protective clothing

When it comes to sun protection, clothing is an option that might not be at the front of your mind. However, sun protection clothing options can be loose-fitting and breathable. Clothing has a rating system called UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) which measures the fabric’s ability to protect against UV radiation.

Try to cover as much of your skin as possible if you need to be out in the sun, especially during peak times for UV radiation.

Seek shade

Seeking shade is our easiest tip of all and will cost you zero dollars. It may seem like an obvious piece of advice, but it’s easy to underestimate the impact of simply seeking shade during peak UV hours to avoid the risks of UV exposure.

Look for shady areas under trees and verandas, but make sure you still use sunscreen because shade doesn’t protect you from 100% of UV exposure.

Wear SPF50+ sunscreen every day

Research shows that small amounts of sun exposure accumulate over time to damage the skin, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day. No matter your skin type or lifestyle, there’s a sunscreen formula that will suit your needs.

If you’re looking for a lightweight fluid formula that sits effortlessly under makeup, try our Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+. For those with combination, oily or acne-prone skin, our Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ has a mattifying formula.

The type of body sunscreen you’ll need depends on your lifestyle. For outdoorsy types who tend to sweat or get in the water, opt for our Anthelios XL Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+. This formula glides on seamlessly, even on wet skin. For those looking for something lighter, our Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Body Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+ has a convenient spray applicator.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Reapply sunscreen regularly

Sunscreen is designed to be reapplied at least every two hours and more often after any activity that may result in the formula rubbing or washing off. This includes swimming, towelling and perspiring. Apply a liberal amount to all exposed areas of skin.

Wear a hat

When you’re thinking about how to protect your skin from sun in summer, that includes your scalp. Wearing a hat protects your scalp, ears and neck, as well as your face.

Look for a hat with a wider brim to get more protection. Hats also have a rating system called UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) which measures the fabric’s ability to protect against UV radiation.

Opt for sunglasses with UV protection

UV exposure can cause your eyes to feel irritated and sore after you’ve been in the sun, so it’s important to make sunglasses a consistent addition to your summer outfits.

Sunglasses with a wraparound shape provide more UV protection than smaller styles. You can also check the lens category on the label when choosing sunnies and choose a category with good UV protection.

Check your skin regularly

Committing to regular skin checks is one of the most important sun safety rules, with research from the Cancer Council Australia finding that 80%¹ of new cancer cases diagnosed each year are skin cancer.

You can self-check your skin at home regularly for changes in the colour, shape or size of a lesion, as well as for new lesions or moles. You may also consult your GP or a dermatologist for a detailed skin check every 6-12 months, depending on your risk factors for skin cancer. Read our article Skin Check 101: Your Guide to Early Detection for more information.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Avoid peak UV exposure times

If possible, avoid being out in the direct sun between 10am and 3pm as these are the peak times for UV exposure. Rescheduling your exercise or outdoor activities to be earlier or later in the day means you can remain outside for the same length of time with less UV exposure.

Remember to track the UV index

The UV index measures the combined intensity of UVA and UVB radiation to help figure out which times of the day and the year to avoid being in the sun. You can’t judge UV levels from the weather, which is why people are sometimes caught getting sunburnt on cloudy days.

Check the UV index before leaving for outdoor activities and take appropriate precautions on high UV days to help protect your skin. Read our article The UV Index: How it helps you stay safe in the sun to learn more.

Sources:

¹ Cancer Council Australia, Skin Cancer, January 2020: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer

You now know how to stay safe from the sun in summer, but do you understand how sunscreen prevents sun damage? Read our article How Does Sunscreen Work to Protect Skin? to learn more.