Summer in Australia brings longer days and more time outdoors. With higher UV levels, skin damage and skin cancer risk increase. Protecting your skin now supports good skin health and sun-safe habits.

5 tips to stay sun-safe this summer

1. Avoid tanning

A tan is not a sign of healthy skin; it indicates UV-induced cellular damage. Even short periods of unprotected sun exposure can harm skin cells, which may trigger melanin production as a protective response. Repeated UV exposure increases your risk of skin cancer, premature ageing, and pigmentation changes. 

If you want colour, choose sunless options such as tinted moisturiser or spray tans instead of UV-based tanning. 

2. Wear sunscreen every day

Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Regular sunscreen use is one of the most effective ways to prevent UV‑induced skin damage. 

Use a broad‑spectrum SPF 50+, and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating (Cancer Council).

3. Stay hydrated

Water supports overall health and helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Adults should aim for at least 2 litres daily, more if exercising or spending extended time outdoors. 

4. Use physical sun protection

Sunscreen should be part of a broader approach: 

• Boad‑brimmed hats
• UV‑protective sunglasses
• UPF clothing
• Shade during peak UV hours 

Carry sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses whenever outdoors. Sunburn causes cumulative skin damage, even if redness isn’t immediately visible and increases long-term skin cancer risk (QLD Health).

Did you know?
Not all the effects of sunburn are visible straight away. Sunburn can permanently damage your skin and leave you susceptible to skin cancer later in life.

5. Book a skin check

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Australia; non-melanoma skin cancers (keratinocyte cancers) account for the majority of cases (Cancer Council). Early detection may improve outcomes and reduce the need for invasive treatment.

You should book a skin check if you notice any new or changing moles or freckles, if a lesion becomes itchy, scaly, or bleeds, or if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer. Many people also choose to book routine monitoring.

A full skin check by a doctor with advanced training in skin cancer management helps identify concerns early and provides reassurance going into the summer months.

Key reminder 

Sunburn, or repeated exposure to UV radiation, is the leading preventable cause of skin cancer. Even when the sun doesn’t feel hot or it’s cloudy, UV rays can still damage your skin. Protect your skin every day and consider a professional skin check this summer (Cancer Australia).

References 

Cancer Council. (2025). Sunscreen research and facts. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/sunscreen/latest-research Cancer Australia 

Cancer Council. (2025). Causes of skin cancer. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer/causes-of-skin-cancer Cancer Australia 

Cancer Council SA. (2025). Skin cancer — about this information. https://www.cancersa.org.au/cancer-a-z/skin-cancer/about-this-information Cancer Council SA 

Australian Government, Queensland Health. (2025). Skin cancer explained. https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/preventing-skin-cancer/skin-cancer-explained Queensland Government 

Cancer Australia. (2025). Melanoma of the skin statistics. https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/melanoma-skin/melanoma-skin-statistics Cancer Australia