With high UV ratings and searing temperatures a given this summer, our experts share their top sun-safety tips.
Ahead of another sizzling summer, Nelson Low, Head of Paediatric Plastic Surgery at Monash Children’s Hospital, and Anthony Honigman, 2025 Dermatology Registrar at Monash Medical Centre, unpack the risks of prolonged UV exposure and outline how to safely enjoy time in the sun.
The sunburnt country
Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, and in addition to being the deadliest form of skin cancer, it is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australians aged 20 to 39.
Two in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime, and the risk is higher for men than women, with a 1 in 14 chance of men being diagnosed with melanoma before the age of 85.
A single severe sunburn from prolonged UV exposure, made easy by Australia’s strong and harsh sun, can not only lead to permanent skin damage but a higher likelihood of developing skin cancer, as exposure to UV radiation causes 95% of melanomas.
On an average summer weekend in Australia, 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 5 teenagers will be sunburnt. Sunburn causes considerable skin damage, with symptoms including redness, pain, swelling, blisters, and peeling.
‘Prolonged UV exposure changes the DNA in your skin and can cause skin cancers,’ said Nelson.
The main presentations noted at Monash Health related to prolonged UV exposure are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
‘In our plastic surgery unit, we operate up to about 1,500 cases of skin cancers a year, which breaks down to about 30 cases a week…which is a high number across the board,’ said Nelson.
How to safely enjoy time in the sun
1. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
The golden rules for sun protection this summer start with generous application of SPF 50+ sunscreen every day on all sun exposed areas (including easy-to-neglect areas such as the neck, ears and hands). It is also important to reapply every 2 to 4 hours.
2. Prioritise being in the shade
It is important to seek shade between the hours of 10am and 4pm, as that is when the UV rays are the strongest. If you need to be outside, try and stay in the shade.
‘Even in the shade, UV rays can reflect off surfaces like water and sand, so continue to protect your skin,’ said Anthony.
3. Wear protective clothing
Our experts underline the importance of wearing high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing such as long sleeves and pants, alongside donning wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
‘A broad brim hat protects your lips, which [is an area] a lot of people forget…we cut out a lot of skin cancer from the lip in older people from prolonged sun damage over the years,’ said Nelson.
4. Avoid intentional tanning
Tanning greatly increases your chance of getting sunburnt and developing skin cancer, and as Nelson said, it is simply ‘not worth it.’
Anthony emphasised the need to let your skin recover if you happen to get sunburnt.
‘If you get sunburnt, avoid further sun exposure until your skin has fully healed,’ said Anthony.
5. Check your skin regularly
Alongside maintaining daily sun safe behaviours, Honigman underlines the importance of regularly inspecting your skin for new moles, spots, or growths, or any changes in existing moles, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colours, or changes in size.
‘If you notice anything suspicious, consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible,’ advised Anthony.
