Staying safe in the sun: Top 10 myths about sun protection in Australia

While most of us know the sun can cause skin cancer, do we know when, where and how you get burnt? In this article we bust some common myths about protecting yourself from the sun.

1. You can’t get burnt in the shade

Shade materials with holes or gaps can allow penetration of UV radiation. This is why, when designing a shade sail, choosing a product that is custom-made to suit your needs is recommended. This will ensure maximum protection is provided. Additionally, UV radiation can bounce off nearby surfaces onto your skin, even if you are in the shade. This is especially the case for light surfaces. For example, sand can reflect up to 25% of UV radiation, meaning protecting yourself at the beach is especially important.

2. You can’t get burnt on cool or cloudy days

UV radiation is not determined by heat. Therefore, UV radiation can be just as powerful on a cool and cloudy day as on a hot one. While UV radiation is most potent in summer, it can occur all year round, emphasizing the need for year-round sun protection.

3. You are safe from the sun in water

Up to 40 per cent of UV radiation can hit your skin even when you are half a metre under water. However, due to water’s cooling nature, many people do not feel themselves getting burnt while underwater. Therefore, whether swimming at the beach or in your backyard pool, you should consider shade protection such as a shade sail.

4. My skin is red from exercise not sunburn

While it is true that your skin can become red after exercising, this will usually ease within about 24 hours. Therefore, you are probably sunburnt if your skin is still red after more than 24 hours.

5. You can’t get burnt in the car through a window

In Australia, most car windows are untinted. Untinted glass blocks UV transmission partially but not completely. Therefore, you can still get burnt if sitting next to an untinted window in a car for long periods of time. The darker the tint of your car window, the more UV protection it will provide.

6. I’m Windburnt not Sunburnt

In Australia, windburn is extremely rare. It is more likely to occur in cold, dry conditions. In Australia, windy conditions can actually increase your risk of sunburn. This is because wind dries out and weakens the outer layer of your skin. Wind force can make dead skin cells fall off. As these skin cells are blown away so too is your sunscreen, leaving your skin exposed to the sun. Therefore, it’s especially important to re-apply sunscreen on windy days.

7. A tan that builds up over time isn’t dangerous

Any tan, whether it was intentional or not, is a sign of UV damage to the skin. People can get unintentionally tanned even while performing everyday activities such as hanging out the washing

8. I won’t get skin cancer because I tan and don’t burn

No one is immune from the risk of skin cancer. All skin types can be affected by UV radiation. Therefore, sun protection is important for everyone.

9. I’m too old to worry about protecting my skin from the sun

No matter your habits earlier in life, it is never too late to start protecting your skin from the sun. While it’s true that sun protection early in life is critical, sun protection at any age can help prevent skin cancer.

10. I need to go out in the sun without protection to get Vitamin D

In summer, you can get sunburnt in as little as 11 minutes outdoors, so this is not the time of year most of us struggle to get sufficient Vitamin D.

A few minutes of sun exposure on your arms or hands in the early morning or late afternoon is usually enough to meet your Vitamin D requirements in summer.

If you are concerned you may be deficient in Vitamin D you should speak to your doctor about supplementation.

Protecting yourself from the sun is always important no matter what the weather is or what you are doing.

Article References

Cancer Council (n.d) 7 myths about sun protection, Cancer Council, accessed 2 August 2024

Hacker, E & Baldwin, L (2021) Five common suburn myths busted from water to glass and windburn, ABC, accessed 2 August 2024.