Think UV not heat
UV levels are starting to rise
It's time to dust off those sun hats, check the sunscreen expiry date and get your SunSmart app ready.
UV can't be seen or felt. It's the part of the sun that can damage the skin and eyes and lead to skin cancer.
The good news is, most skin cancer can be prevented if we protect from UV.
In Victoria UV levels start to rise from mid-August. To be sure you are using sun protection when you need to, check the sun protection times on the SunSmart app, add the SunSmart widget to your website or make SunSmart one of your web favourites so you can check the UV levels and sun protection times for your area each day.
Regardless of the weather, remember to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK and SLIDE whenever UV levels reach three or more.
- To help create a barrier between your skin and the sun's UV, SLIPon clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- For any skin you can't cover with clothing, SLOPon SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
- Protect the delicate areas of the head and face and SLAPon a sun protective hat. Make sure it has a wide brim that provides good shade to all areas. Caps do not provide enough UV protection so are not a suitable alternative.
- Consider built, natural and temporary UV protection and encourage children to SEEKshade whenever possible. Set up activities in shaded areas.
5. If appropriate for your situation, SLIDE on wrap-around sunglasses labelled AS1067 to help protect the eyes from UV.
Don't wait until term four. Please have your SunSmart app and widget ready so you’ll be all set to know when to use sun protection.
The sun protection times are a forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology for the time of day UV levels are forecast to reach 3 or higher in your location. At these levels, sun protection (hat, clothing, sunscreen, shade and, if practical, sunglasses) is recommended for all skin types.
For more information for families please click here