It is simply a fact of life that Australian's love their sun. Most of us try and spend as much time in it as possible. By now we all certainly aware of the dangers of too much sun, but what can we do to minimise those dangers?  

According to our friends at Sunsmart "over 380,000 Australians are treated for skin cancer each year". And protecting yourself is relatively easy. 

UVA, UVB & UVC - the basics.

The suns rays contains radiation in three forms - UVA, UVB and UVC. Over exposure to UVA radiation results in wrinkles, sagging and discolouration, as well as contributing to the onset of skin cancer due to the radiation as it effects the living skins cells lying underneath the skins surface. In fact 98.7% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches earth is UVA radiation. Thankfully the atmosphere's ozone layer filters out all of the UVC radiation, thus it is of little concern to people. However it is UVB radiation that plays the starring roles part in the world of sun care and sunburn.

Exposure to UVB light in controlled, healthy doses induces the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is responsible for a whole range of body heath properties, from promoting an active immune system, to proper bone formation to regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. A lack of vitamin D on the other hand can have some dangerous effects on the body, from liver or kidney disorders, impaired bone mineralisation and bone softening  to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

When we get sunburnt, we are actually burning the skin's living tissue. UVB radiation reaches the top layer of skin and basically dries it out to the point where it gives off a hot, burning sensation.

So, what can I do?

-Check the UV index.

Before you go out, check with UV index at the Bureau Of Meteorology for that day. These forecasts are usually reported in the weather section in newspapers and during the weather spot during the news on television. This index will give you an forecast of the level of UV radiation. Generally, if it is above 3, there is a risk of exposure and sun protection is recommended. 

-Clothing

Basically any sort of clothing that covers up the skins will stop you from getting burnt. The problem is obviously comfort. While a long sleeved overcoat does the job, it certainly isn't practical during summer. There are several details that you should look for when buying sun protective clothing.

• Look for items that are treated to absorb UV radiation
• Stay away from dark coloured clothing, as they absorb heat more easily that lighter coloured clothes.
• The tighter the weave, the more protection it gives.
• Try to buy clothes made out of fabrics such as nylon, polyester and cotton, which contain natural UV absorbing elements. Also be aware that a fabrics UV protection may decrease if it is wet.

-Sunscreen 

Sunscreen's come in all sorts of colours and levels, with all sorts of 'benefits' from tanning elements to the best of the best sun protection. Sunscreen works by effectively absorbing or reflecting most of the UV radiation as it reaches our skin. The reflecting or absorbing depends on the minerals and chemicals used in the cream itself. For example, creams with the chemical composition of carbon and hydrogen molecules have chemical absorbers that stick onto the skin and absorb UV light, while other with minerals like zinc or titanium dioxide reflect UV rays away from the skin by sitting on the skin's surface. This is usually better for those with sensitive skin. Lately, mineral based sunscreens have been including "micronised formulas" which refers to the minerals being finely ground before being added to the cream itself. The advantage of this is it basically makes them invisible during use, greatly reducing that white look you get when you apply cream. aToMik Green's sunscreen is a great example of this as it contains Zinc in a nanoparticle form.

When you see an SPF rating, this is referring to how much more sun protection you get, in theory, achieved by using sun screen on yor skin. For example; when we all have an idea, albeit vague sometimes, of how long we can be in the sun before our skins starts to burn, say 10 minutes. If you are using a sun screen with an SPF of 30+, multiply your burn time by the SPF factor and you come to your theoretical coverage time - 300 minutes. Be aware that even the Cancer Council acknowledge that this figure is rarely achieved, citing factors like thickness, coverage and skin type as the reasons for the short fall. Basically, you can't go wrong with applying it every 2 hours.

In addition to the SPF rating, you may be familiar with the term Broad Spectrum. This term means that the sun screen protects from both the most harmful, burning UVB radiation and the wrinkle and sagging causing UVA radiation, the rays that penetrate deep into the layers of the skin and cause premature ageing. Every sunscreen you buy from now on should be 'Broad Spectrum'. 

Ingrediant wise, as discussed earlier, sunscreens usually contain a combination of chemical and mineral ingredients. The most common chemical absorbers include:

• Octyl methoxycinnamate (UV filter)
• Methylbenzylidene camphor (UVB filter)
• Butyl methoxycinnamate (UVA filter)

The most common reflectant or blockers include:

• Zinc (oxide)
• Titanium dioxide (UVA and UVB filters)

Perhaps the biggest danger when using sunscreen is not using it correctly. All to often people are burnt because they have not applied enough cream or have not re-applied it. So, What is the best way to apply sunscreen? To ensure you get the most out of using your sunscreen, try to apply the cream about 20 minutes before going out into the sun. This allows the cream to settle on your skin, offering greater protection. Apply at least a teaspoon-sized amount to each arm, leg, front and back of your body, and at least half a teaspoon on the face, ears and neck. And remember, while the SPF may allow you more time, there is no harm in re-applying cream after two hours, especially if you have been active or swimming.

What's the best way to apply sunscreen? Even if you do use sunscreen, are you using it correctly. 

• Try to apply the cream about 20 minutes before going into the sun. outside, to allow it to settle on your skin.

• Use at least a teaspoon-sized dollop on each arm, leg, front and back of body, and at least half a teaspoon on the face, including the ears and neck.

• Re-apply every two hours, more often if you are swimming or sweating a lot.

-Hats

What can we say about hats? The greater the shade given, the greater the protection. A good, broad rimmed hat can be purchased most outdoor sports stores or clothing retailer for less that $30.

-Shade 

"Between 11 and 3, sit under a tree. The best sunscreen of all is absolutely free" went the successful 'Slip, Slop, Slap' ad from way back. It still rings true today, however it now perhaps rings truer when it comes to house planning and design as opposed to simply sitting under a tree while outdoors. But yes, if you can, find some shade (umbrella, tree, building) and try and stay in it while outdoors. Shade is simply one of the most effective UV protecting methods around. And as the ad say's, it is absolutely free. 

-Sunglasses 

In Australia, there is the complicated world of 'Australian Standard AS/NZS AS1067:2003'  which, long story short,  basically requires sunglass manufactures to indicate which AS/NZS AS1067:2003 category they comply with, depending on their intended use. Each category has a varying level of UV and glare protection and apparently it is up to the consumers to be aware of the categories and their pro's and con's. Generally, look for sunglasses which both meet the Australian Standard AS1067:2003 and have a category rating of 2,3, or 4.

ARPANSA (the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, a long named part of the Health and Ageing Portfolio of the Australian Federal Government ) have created an eye protection factor (EPF) where sunglasses that comply with AS/NZS 1067:2003 are assigned with an EPF rating from 1 to 10. Sunglasses with EPF values of 9 and 10 transmit almost no UV radiation. 

When it comes to appropriate eye wear, large (and probably 'uncool') wrap-around, close-fitting sunglasses reduce reflected glare and UV radiation which passes around the edge of the sunglasses before reaching the eye.They are not necessarily always expensive. In fact some of the more expensive sunglass actually have less protection than their cheaper counterparts.

The AS/NZS 1067 excludes prescription glasses, whether they are clear or tinted but they may still provide acceptable protection. Optometrists' do, however, have a professional duty to ensure that prescription sunglasses comply with the standard.