Most of us love spending time outdoors in the sun, but unfortunately too much sun exposure is harmful to our skin.

Getting too many UV rays causes our skin to age prematurely, yep ladies that means you’ll end up looking a lot older than your age, and you will especially start to notice this sooner than you know, the years fly by. So you’re thinking, I’m young I don’t have to worry about being sun safe, but wait a minute, most of the damage is done in the first 25 years of your life!

We may be a little vain and want to look sun-kissed and gorgeous, but unfortunately there is no safe tan. That means you’re risking your beautiful skin each time you are out in the sun and not protecting yourself. Sadly, there is a lot more to worry about than looks, and that’s your health. Melanoma kills one Australian every five hours, this shocking statistic puts Australia in the lead in the world, I suppose that’s why they have called it ‘Australia’s cancer’.

The good news is that it is highly preventable, if you follow these 9 simple ways to prevent skin cancer, you will be able to look after your skin, keeping it healthy and young looking! Send this to a friend that you care about, it can save lives.

1. SUNSCREEN OR ZINC – Apply 20 mins before going out into the sun, use a Broad Spectrum SPF30 or higher, and re-apply every 2 hours or every time after swimming, yep it washes off even though they save water resistant.
2. COVER UP – Wear long sleeve swimwear like ours at the beach or pool, or cover up with long sleeves rash guards or shirts when outdoors, look for UPF50+ sun protection fabric rating.
3. SEEK SHADE – Limit long periods in the sun between 10am to 4pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
4. HAT & SUNNIES – Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face, ears and eyes.
5. KNOW YOUR SKIN – Every month do a 2 min body scan, know your skin, use a mirror or a partner to check your back too.
6. GET IT CHECKED – Go to a doctor or dermatologist straight away if you notice any skin changes, especially to your moles, to check it’s not cancer.
7. SNOW BUNNIES – You can get double the dose of UV rays at the snow due to high altitudes and reflection from the snow. Wear sunglasses or ski mask and apply sunscreen every 2 hours to your face, ears and arms.
8. NO TANNING BEDS – Now banned in Australia, though still legal in the USA. People who use a solarium before the age of 35 have a 59% greater risk of melanoma.
9. SUNLESS TANNING – If you do want a tan, sunless tanning lotions or spray tans, are safer as there are no UV rays damaging your skin. Remember you still need to protect your skin as above in the sun. These tans do not stop you burning!

For more information about melanoma, go to the Melanoma Institute Australia site.