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Sunscreen FAQs

This infographic details how to select an effective sunscreen that prevents sunburn, reduces risk of skin cancer, and helps prevent early signs of skin aging.
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Understanding the causes of skin disease

The skin is a complex active organ, if any of its functions fail there can be serious consequences. The skin’s ability to act as a barrier is particularly important for occupational health.

One way to understand the barrier function of the stratum corneum is to consider it as a brick wall...
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Moles to Melanoma : Recognizing the ABCDE Features

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The Language of Melanoma: A guide for patients, friends and family

This booklet was produced with help from patient support consultancy Anatomy Health for delegates at the Melanoma Patient Conference in June 2018.

“Nobody expects patients to know or understand every term used to explain their disease or its treatment.

Melanoma terminology is complicated and has changed so much over the last few years that we felt it would be useful to provide you with a resource that explains the acronyms and clarifies meanings of jargon you might come across."

-- Dr James Larkin, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden
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Melanoma blood test: Scientists unveil 'world-first' research

Australian scientists say they have developed a blood test to detect melanoma in its early stages.
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Sunscreen reduces melanoma risk by 40 per cent in young people

A world-first study has found that Australians aged 18-40 years who were regular users of sunscreen in childhood reduced their risk of developing melanoma by 40 percent, compared to those who rarely used sunscreen.
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DNA damage links to onset of skin cancer, melanoma mapped

A critical link in mapping recurrent mutations of melanoma -- the most serious form of skin cancer in humans -- has been discovered by researchers.
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What is Sun-Safe Clothing?

What’s the best way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR), given that we need to work, travel, and sometimes play outside? Clothing is the most basic and generally the best means of sun protection. Not all clothing is equal, however, and some of it isn’t actually very good at protecting us. So, what makes a piece of clothing sun-safe?

Here are some key tips for buying and staying sun-safe with clothing:

1. Buy garments that suit your purpose. You don’t need a heavy work shirt for the beach, but a longsleeved, tightly woven linen shirt can be both cool and sun-smart.


2. If you are buying elastic garments like leggings, make sure you purchase the right size — overstretching will lower the UPF rating.


3. Look for garments with a UPF of at least 30 so that you know you’re getting effective sun protection.


4. Choose garments that cover more skin—there’s no point in a high-UPF bikini. Instead, consider a rash guard or swim shirt. Made of lightweight, elastic materials like spandex, these athletic tops will cover your upper body without weighing you down. You can also have beach skirts or sarongs ready for when you leave the water.


5. Wash new garments made from cotton or cotton blends two or three times at least. This can often permanently raise the UPF rating due to shrinkage of the spaces between the fibers.


6. Select wide-brimmed hats (at least 3” in diameter) that shade your face, neck and ears.


7. When outdoors, seek out shaded areas under awnings or trees and minimize your time in the direct sun.


8. Be aware that UV light can bounce off surfaces such as water, snow and glass, hitting your skin twice and increasing the intensity of exposure.


9. Use UV-filtering sunglasses and sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for everyday incidental exposure and 30 or higher for extended exposure. Apply sunscreen on all exposed areas — clothing can’t cover everything.

Remember, sun-protective clothing doesn’t have to be boring: it can be light and bright and fashionable and fun. And when chosen and used correctly, it’s the best form of sun protection you can find.
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