- Sun safety
- About skin cancer
- Causes of skin cancer
- Check for signs of skin cancer
- Preventing skin cancer
- Vitamin D
- UV alert
- Nanoparticles and sunscreen
- SunSmart position statements
- Cancer Council Shop
- SunSmart schools and early childhood programs
- Sun protection in the workplace
- Campaigns and events
- Nutrition and physical activity
- Smoking and tobacco
- Reduce your risk
- Early detection
Preventing skin cancer
Protect your skin
For best protection, we recommend a combination of sun protection measures:
- Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ (or higher) sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
- Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards.
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide - Sid the Seagull Video
SunSmart UV alert
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the invisible killer that you can't see or feel. UV radiation can be high even on cool and overcast days. This means you can't rely on clear skies or high temperatures to determine when you need to protect yourself from the sun.
The SunSmart UV Alert is reported daily by the Bureau of Meteorology. The alert identifies times during the day when the UV level is 3 or above and sun protection is needed.
As well as appearing on the Bureau of Meteorology website, the alert is published in the weather section of daily newspapers, on Cancer Council Australia's home page and as an app for smartphones.
Download the SunSmart app for iOS | Android | Samsung to keep track of the UV levels throughout the day.
Apply sunscreen liberally – at least a teaspoon for each limb, front and back of the body and half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen resulting in only 50-80% of the protection stated on the product.
Browse for and buy suncreen from the Cancer Council Shop today
Sun protection and babies
It is important to ensure infants are well protected from the sun. Childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to your lifetime risk of skin cancer, and babies’ skin is sensitive and can burn easily. Plan daily activities to minimise time outside during the middle hours of the day during the summer period when UV levels are at their strongest.
Whenever UV Index levels reach three and above, Cancer Council Australia recommends using a combination of sun protection measures, including to:
- Slip on clothing that covers as much of the infant’s skin as possible.
- Slop on broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above to any small areas of skin that cannot be protected by clothing.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire style hat so the infant’s face, neck and ears are protected.
- Seek shade. Make use of any available full shade and provide shade for the infant’s pram, stroller or play area.
- Slide on some sunglasses, if practical, to protect the eyes.
There is no evidence that using sunscreen on babies is harmful, although some babies may develop minor skin irritation. Try sunscreen milks or creams for sensitive skin which are less likely to irritate the skin. As with all products, use of any sunscreen should cease if any unusual reaction occurs.
If you require further information about skin cancer prevention call Cancer Council 13 11 20 (a local call from anywhere in Australia).
For more information
This page was last updated on: Wednesday, December 10, 2014