FAQs
The sun and its effects on the skin can raise many important issues for the health of you and your family.
Below, you’ll find some of the most common questions about the sun and how to adequately protect yourself against it.
Whatever your age and regardless of your sun tanning habits to date, it’s never too late to start the prevention programme by using SUNSENSE Sunscreens.
Is sun damage more likely on a hot day?
No. The most common misconception regarding UV is that it can be felt as heat. Most sunburn actually occurs between 18-27° C when we don't feel ourselves burning.
Am I protected while I’m in the water?
Water offers only minimal protection against UV while water reflection increases the UV risk to those parts of your body that are out of the water.
Will a ‘healthy’ tan protect me from sun damage?
A tan is not healthy. A tan indicated damaged skin and is the body’s natural defence against further UV damage.
If I take breaks while sunbathing, will this prevent sun damage?
No. Taking breaks will not help the skin repair itself. The consequences of unprotected UV exposure are cumulative. The more time overall spent in the sun unprotected, the greater your risk of sun damage.
Do I still need to protect myself from the sun on cloudy days?
Yes. Sunburn occurs easily on cloudy days with up to 80% of the UV able to penetrate light cloud cover.1 Haze in the atmosphere can actually increase UV levels.
Do I need to protect myself even in winter?
While the winter sun is less damaging than in the summer, it can still be dangerous. Snow reflection doubles your UV exposure.
If I use a sunscreen, will I still get enough Vitamin D?
A very small amount of UV has health benefits and is necessary for the production of Vitamin D. But sufficient levels of exposure can be gained through incidental activities such as walking or sitting by a window.2
If you spend the great part of your time indoors or feel you may have insufficient vitamin D intake, see your doctor or pharmacist about an oral vitamin D supplement.
References
1. World Health Organisation. Ultraviolet radiation: global solar UV index [Online] 2004 [cited 30 July 2004] Available at URL: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs271/en/
2. The Cancer Council Australia. Position statement: Vitamin D [online] 2006 [cited 8 May 2006] Available at URL: www.sunsmart.com.au/s/z_pdf/resources/Vitamin_D.pdf