We all enjoy our world famous Aussie summers, but do you ever wonder about all the talk of how harsh the Australian sun is? Is there any difference between our southern hemisphere sun compared to the sun in other parts of the world?
Well, the short answer is yes there is a difference and Australians do need higher sun protection. According to SunSmart Australia we experience some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world. And, unfortunately, we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. These statistics relate to a few factors, including the number of cloudless days our country has, combined with being a fair-skinned nation and the fact that the southern hemisphere actually orbits closer to the sun than the northern hemisphere does during its summer time. So, how do we ensure sufficient protection against our harsher Aussie sun?
The higher the SPF the better the protection
It is the sun’s UV rays that damage our skin. The more protection from these UV rays we have, the less the chance of our skin suffering sun damage. The higher the SPF rating of the sunscreen, the more UV rays it will block. Banana Boat’s range of SPF50+ sunscreens are an ideal choice for Aussie kids and adults alike.
Find a sunscreen to suit your needs
Not all sunscreens are equal. Different people require different things from their sunscreen. When spending the day at the beach or pool getting in and out of the water, a waterproof sunscreen is a must. Protecting young children from sun damage requires a sunscreen specifically designed to be gentle on the skin. Those with sensitive skin need a sunscreen that is hypo-allergenic. Be sure to check out the full range of sunscreens available and buy accordingly.
Use sunscreen daily
One of the most common myths about sunscreen is that it is only needed when spending extended periods of time out in the sun. This is untrue. Sun damage can occur even on a cloudy day. Because of our harsh sun, Australians should wear sunscreen daily. Gone are the days of thick, greasy sunscreens that coat your body like an oil slick. Today’s top quality sunscreens are specially formulated to go onto the skin without leaving any greasy residue behind, and without that typical sunscreen smell. This means you can apply sunscreen every day just like body lotion.
Use sunscreen correctly
The protection sunscreen offers only lasts a few hours. Applying sunscreen first thing in the morning will not provide any protection come lunch time. In order to use sunscreen correctly, it must be reapplied regularly. This goes for any sunscreen, no matter how high its SPF factor.
More on sun safety
How much sun protection is enough?
What do levels of sunscreen mean?
Tips to teach your kids sun safety
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