With summer in full swing and temperatures on the rise, Australians are expected to take the necessary precautions to avoid the health risks caused by extreme heat. To start, the Australian Red Cross’ forecast for heatwaves advises residents to keep cool and stay hydrated, especially if they are more vulnerable to dehydration due to old age and existing medical conditions. The best practices for coping with the heat also include staying indoors or in the shade and ensuring proper ventilation.

But besides preventing dehydration and heatstroke, sun safety must also be practised to reduce the risk of ultraviolet radiation. Considering the UV index in Canberra, in particular, can reach levels of 8 to 9 (very high to extreme), Canberrans are urged to protect their skin and eyes from UV damage.

The particular lack of sun safety among the youth

Among the severe effects of prolonged sun exposure is skin cancer, as UV radiation damages the DNA in the skin cells and causes genetic mutations. However, young Australians aged 18-30 are not taking this risk seriously, with three in four believing they are unlikely to develop skin cancer in their lifetimes. 

Meanwhile, only half wear sunglasses and use sunscreen, despite skin cancer affecting two in three Australians and melanoma being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country. Such findings indicate the need to reiterate sun-safe practices, especially among the youth, to drive down the health burdens of UV radiation.

Considerations for sunscreen application

Regular sunscreen use can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing melanoma, as well as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer. 

The chair of the Cancer Council’s national skin cancer committee, Anne Cust, adds that sunscreen must be applied to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside. A full-body application among adults equates to about 35ml or seven teaspoons, with at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the torso, one for the back, and one for the head. When choosing sunscreen, experts recommend products with a sun protection factor of 30 or above, broad-spectrum protection, and water-resistant properties.

Increased options for eye protection

UV radiation can also damage the eye structure — from the outermost surface of the cornea to the retina responsible for light sensitivity at the back of the eye. As such, wearing sunglasses is highly advised to prevent retinal damage and eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Fortunately, Canberrans now have increased options for sunglasses as protective eyewear. Sunglasses retailer Sunglass Hut has online and offline channels for a wide range of frames, from outdoor-oriented brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley to the eyewear lines of designers like Versace and Burberry. Amongst equally stylish and functional frames, individuals are urged to choose large or oversized frames, such as the Ray-Ban RB4401D, to maximise coverage and sun protection.

Sun safety goes beyond sunglasses and sunscreen

Most importantly, Canberrans must be reminded that sun safety does not rely solely on wearing sunglasses and sunscreen. Slapping on a sun hat can protect other sensitive areas like the scalp and regulate body temperature amidst extreme heat.

Similar to sunglasses, there are now various options for sun hats that balance style and practicality. Local Australian brands like Alpha60 make wide-brimmed hats in protective and lightweight cotton, while Kowtow creates bucket hats from soft organic cotton denim for optimal comfort and breathability. Whereas sunscreen is measured by SPF, sun hats and other summer garments can be labelled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) to demonstrate their effectiveness for sun protection. Make sure to combine all these steps to stay safe under the sun throughout the summer. For more relevant news and updates, stay tuned to the Canberra Daily official website