Sun protection
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Approximately half of the people who grow up here will develop some form of skin cancer. Fortunately, the risk of having skin cancer can be reduced and most skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated early.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is the main cause of skin cancers and photodamage (wrinkles, sagging skin, blotchy pigmentation etc). Other sources of UV radiation such as solariums are also damaging. Sunburn has also been associated with melanoma, which is the most serious, and potentially fatal, form of skin cancer. Even sun exposure that doesn't result in burning still damages skin cells and increases your risk of developing skin cancers and premature ageing.
There is no such thing as a 'healthy tan'. Tanning, from the sun or solarium, is a sign that you have been exposed to enough UV radiation to damage your skin. If you want a tan, 'fake it'. Fake tans contain ingredients that temporarily stain the skin a darker colour. The colour slowly fades over a week or so, as dead skin cells flake off. While fake tans are not harmful, they DO NOT provide any protection against UV radiation, so it is still important to take normal sun protection measures such as those suggested here.
How to protect your skin
60% of the day's harmful UV rays occur between 10am and 2pm (11am and 3pm in daylight saving), so avoid outdoor activities during this time. If you are outdoors use a combination of sun protection measures:
Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Choose closely woven fabrics that can't be seen through when held up to the light. Young children should wear UV protective swimwear covering the chest and upper arms / legs while at the beach.
Slop on a broad-spectrum, SPF30+ sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin. Apply 20 mins before going outside and reapply at least every 2 hours. Apply sunscreen liberally, using at least a teaspoon for each limb, front and back of the body and half a teaspoon for the face, neck and ears. Most people don't apply enough sunscreen resulting in only 50-80% of the protection stated on the product. For swimming, make sure you choose a water-resistant sunscreen and remember that sunscreens should not be used to extend your time in the sun.
Slap on a hat. Use a wide brimmed or Legionnaire's hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.
Seek shade wherever possible. However, it is still possible to get burnt in the shade from reflected light - particularly when on the beach, by a swimming pool or on the water - so use a sunscreen and protective clothing as well.
Slide on some sunglasses but make sure they meet Australian Standards.
Sun protection and babies
Childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to your lifetime risk of skin cancer. It is recommended to keep babies out of the sun as much as possible for the first 12 months of life. Where this is not possible, parents and carers should minimise exposure by following the above measures. There is no evidence that using sunscreen on babies is harmful, although some babies may develop minor skin irritation. Try sunscreen milks or creams for sensitive skin which are less likely to irritate the skin.