Key Facts:
• UV levels remain high well beyond peak summer in most parts of Australia
• Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70
• Dermatologists report people ease off sun protection from late January onwards
• UV damage is cumulative and not linked to temperature alone
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Australians may be putting their skin at risk by winding back sun protection too early, with dermatologists warning that UV exposure remains high well beyond peak summer.
Dr Emma Hiscutt, dermatologist and Doctify expert, says she commonly sees a drop-off in sun protection habits in March, despite UV levels remaining high enough to cause skin damage across much of Australia.
The warning comes as parts of Australia experience ongoing heatwave conditions, with extreme temperatures reinforcing the misconception that sun risk fades once peak summer passes.
"UV radiation doesn't disappear just because the temperature drops," Dr Hiscutt said. "We often see people relax their sun protection habits as summer winds down, even though UV levels can still be high enough to cause cumulative skin damage."
Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with around two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, and melanoma among the most common cancers affecting young Australians.
Despite this, clinicians say many people still associate sun risk with heat rather than UV exposure, leading to reduced sunscreen use, fewer protective clothing choices, and longer periods of unprotected exposure during everyday late-summer activities such as exercise, commuting, sport, and weekends outdoors.
When and how to use sunscreen properly
Dermatologists recommend:
Applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher at least 20 minutes before going outdoors
Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or sooner if sweating, swimming, exercising, or towelling off
Using sunscreen daily on exposed areas such as the face, neck, ears, arms and hands, not just at the beach
"Many people assume sunscreen lasts all day, but physical activity, sweat and friction significantly reduce its effectiveness," Dr Hiscutt said. "If you're outdoors, moving, or exposed for long periods, reapplication is essential." Australians are advised to maintain sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or above, even on cooler or overcast days. ARPANSA publishes real-time UV Index readings, and the Bureau of Meteorology issues daily sun protection times.
Sun protection and skin tone
Dr Hiscutt also warns against the misconception that darker skin tones are immune to UV damage.
"People with darker skin can and do develop skin cancer," she said. "Skin cancer is often detected later in people with darker skin tones, which can lead to poorer outcomes. Everyone, regardless of skin tone, needs to take sun protection seriously."
What to do if you get sunburnt
If sunburn does occur, dermatologists advise:
Getting out of the sun immediately
Cooling the skin with cool compresses or showers
Applying soothing, bland moisturisers
Drinking plenty of fluids
Seeking medical advice if blistering, severe pain, or systemic symptoms occur
"Sunburn is a sign of acute skin injury," Dr Hiscutt said. "Even one severe burn can increase future skin cancer risk, so prevention really is key."
When to seek medical advice
Dr Hiscutt recommends seeking medical advice if sun-related skin changes persist or worsen.
"You should see a dermatologist if sunburn is severe, blistering, or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills or nausea," she said. "It's also important to get any new, changing or unusual moles checked, particularly lesions that change in size, shape or colour, or don't heal."
She added that people should not delay assessment simply because they do not burn easily: "Skin cancer does not always present the same way across different skin tones, and delayed diagnosis can have serious consequences." Dr Hiscutt recommends daily sunscreen use, protective clothing, and regular skin checks year-round, not just during peak summer.
