My recent annual blood test went through the usual results - all ‘normal’ apparently except for a slight dip in the Vitamin D, below the ‘normal’ range. Living in Melbourne this is considered ‘normal’.
In a couple of weeks winter will (finally) give way to spring and then summer and my lack of sunshine will not be an issue. Probably quite the opposite, sun exposure will be much more of an issue.
Australians are always a competitive bunch but leading the world in skin cancer isn’t an award we are happy to wear but the truth is we do have the highest rates of skin cancer globally. And sun exposure is a primary factor.
When your unprotected skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun, you can permanently damage the skin, and this damage adds up over time.
Australia has particularly strong levels of UV so in summer between 5 and 9 minutes (depending where you are) is all the sun your skin should be exposed to unprotected. It’s really not much before you start to get skin damage.
Wearing a Suncheeter top or dress along with swim pants protects most of your body as they give UVP50+ protection but you will also need to apply a good sunscreen for your face, neck, hands and legs/feet and make sure to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
SUNSMART APP
To know exaxtly how much sun is safe we would really recommend using the SunSmart Global UV app.
Powered by world leading health, radiation and weather organisations, the app provides worldwide UV levels and clear guidance as to when sun protection is and is not required.
Download the app here:
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/sunsmart-global-uv/id1571645042