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You Can Get Sunburned in Australia’s Winter Season - Here’s Why

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It is a common misconception that you can only get a sunburn during the summer months. However, Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and this doesn’t change during the winter months. Some statistics show that only 31% of adults practise sun safety during cold weather. Winter sun damage can happen even on the coldest days, and winter sunburns carry the same risks as those that happen in summer. These include premature aging, skin damage and skin cancer.

Let’s take a look at why you can still get a sunburn during winter and the best ways to protect yourself while enjoying your favourite outdoor activities. 

Every sunburn leaves a lasting impact

Apart from being painful and uncomfortable, sunburn damages skin cells and can potentially lead to longer-lasting effects. Even a mild sunburn can increase your chances of developing skin cancer, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Though the initial consequences of sunburn fade, the damage to your skin cells remains. The more often you’re sunburnt, the more you increase your chances of developing something serious. 

You can get sunburn on cloudy days

Overcast days don’t seem like they pose the risk of giving you sunburn, but it’s this false sense of security that can lead to a surprise sunburn. While overcast days may appear darker than clear ones, UVB and UVA rays still make their way through the clouds to your skin.

Australia’s average UV index in the winter

The UV index measures UV radiation on a scale from 0 (low) to 11+ (extremely high). Whenever the UV index rating is 3 or higher, you should practise sun protection. In Australia, Melbourne and Hobart are the only capital cities with an average UV index rating of under 3 during the winter. Below is the range that UV ratings can fall into throughout the states during winter:

  • New South Wales: 3–5
  • Victoria: 2–4
  • Queensland: 5–11
  • ACT: 4–5
  • Western Australia: 3–11
  • Northern Territory: 6–10
  • Tasmania: 2–3

As the above shows, every state has the potential to reach a UV index of 3 in winter, with some being much higher. Therefore, any sun exposure should be seen to using proper strategies to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays.

woman skiing in the sun

Activities that increase your risk of winter sunburn

Though any outdoor activity will come with an increased risk of winter sunburn, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays while still enjoying the great outdoors.

1. Cycling

Going for a bike ride is one of the best forms of cardio, and it’s a fantastic way to warm yourself during the chillier months. However, without taking some precautions, cycling leaves you exposed to UV rays.

Tips to prevent sunburn during this activity

  • Apply broad spectrum sunscreen before each ride.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing to cover your skin against UV rays.
  • Try to ride in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak UV levels.

2. Working Outside

Whether you work on a construction site, are a tradie or have playground duty as a teacher, there are some jobs where you’re going to end up spending long hours in the sun. It is vital to protect your skin year round to avoid issues down the track.

Tips to prevent sunburn during this activity

  • Apply sunscreen and remember to reapply every four hours.
  • Seek shade when possible, such as during breaks.
  • Wear appropriate clothing to limit UV exposure.

3. Walking/Jogging

Walking is probably the easiest and most accessible way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. While you’re getting your ten thousand steps or taking the pooch for a walk, there are a few easy steps you can take to protect yourself.

Tips to prevent sunburn during this activity

  • Wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin.
  • Wear sunscreen, applied 30 minutes before you head outside.
  • Avoid walking during peak UV hours, usually in the middle of the day. If you’re walking your dog, they’ll appreciate this as well.

4. Visiting the Beach

It’s no secret that Australia is a beach-loving nation, and for some of us, the water is a little chilly, which isn't enough to keep us out of the surf. Whether you’re hitting the waves or just want to feel the sand between your toes, proper sun protection is still of the utmost importance.

Tips to prevent sunburn during this activity

  • Apply water-resistant sunscreen and reapply sunscreen every few hours.
  • Wear rashies, surf hats and clothing that limits exposed skin.
  • Seek shade during peak sun hours, usually in the middle of the day.

5. Winter Sports

Australia is an active nation and sport is a fantastic way to stay fit, socialise and make new friends. Whether you’re joining the local netball team to keep in shape or your kids have footy on the weekends, sun protection should be as integral to getting ready as strapping on your boots.

Tips to prevent sunburn during this activity

  • Apply sunscreen (with a sun protection factor of at least 30+) before the game and every 3–4 hours thereafter.
  • Spectators should remain in the shade, if possible, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

6. Family Days Out

There’s nothing like a day at the park, a barbeque at home or generally enjoying the great outdoors with those closest to you. A few simple steps will help you avoid a nasty sunburn and ensure the only thing you take away from the day are precious memories.

Tips to prevent sunburn during this activity

  • Use shaded areas like gazebos, verandahs or patios when eating.
  • Have plenty of sunscreens available for everyone.
  • Ensure both adults and children practise good sun safety habits.
Man having mole removed from cheek

Why you should check your skin during Winter

There’s no such thing as a bad time of year to get a skin check. Skin cancer is always more treatable when caught early, so if you notice anything unusual, it’s important to have it checked out. Even if you haven’t noticed anything unusual, you should have annual skin checks so your doctor can keep track of your skin health and make sure everything is as it should be.

  • Skin cancer isn’t seasonal

Skin cancer doesn’t conveniently stick to the seasons, and in fact skin lesions can often take months or years to develop. That’s why it’s important to keep checking for any changes in your skin no matter the season: a self-check every three months is a good rule-of-thumb. An ideal time to check your skin is in the shower or after a bath, and if you notice any changes in size or colour, tenderness, itchiness or bleeding it is important to book a skin check appointment straight away.

  • We rug up over winter

It’s only natural to throw the heavy jumpers, pants and clothes on to rug up against the winter cold, which unfortunately makes the chance of spotting any problematic skin changes much slimmer. The problem is, many of the most harmful skin cancer types including melanomas can grow very quickly (potentially becoming invasive within months, or even weeks). If you do happen to have a risky mole or lesion on your skin and don’t have it checked until summer, that’s months that it could be left to become more advanced.

  • You’re still exposed to the sun

The day doesn’t need to be hot for us to be receiving harmful rays. No matter the time of year, we’re being exposed to UV radiation. UV-A and UV-B radiation is present year-round, including the colder months.  UV-A can even penetrate glass whilst you are driving.If you’re going on a winter skiing trip or to a tropical island holiday, reflection from the sun and snow can further contribute to sunburn and DNA damage. The trick is to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide in every season.

  • There will be plenty of parking spots!

We all want our skin cancer check to be as convenient as possible. Our skin clinics can get very busy over summer as everyone is reminded of the importance of skin checks. By booking in a skin check in the cooler months you’ll be able to book when you want, and find a parking spot much easier on the day!

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Book your next skin check with SunDoctors

A skin check is a quick, easy process that usually provides peace of mind, but could potentially save your life. Our expert team is here to help with all your skincare needs. Though regular self checks are great for noticing any changes, only a professional can diagnose whether it is skin cancer or not.
SunDoctors are here to help with all your skin health needs. If you’re concerned about your skin or if it’s just been a while since your last check, book your next appointment today!

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