Sun / Sunburn, Sydney

Follow those steps even if not at the beach on a 35 degree day!! Walking around in Summer, wear a hat and sunscreen. I enjoyed a brunch with a spaghetti strap dress on- was there for around 2 hours. Got to my house and my shoulders were 'red as a beetroot' was the term. It was not the first time i have been badly sunburnt in Sydney due to my fair skin. Even if you have darker skin, PLEASE apply sunscreen.

As European I was not aware about the potential sun dangers, but once in Australia I quickly learnt by locals the sunny risks and how to prevent sunburn...

Fortunately these last years in Switzerland massive information and prevention messages have been widely spread. Also valid for the Alps in Winter... Please save your skin!!!

Official sun protection tips that I still apply.

The Cancer Council Australia’s key recommendations to minimise the risk of skin cancer:

- Seek shade and reduce your sunlight exposure, especially during the peak radiation hours between 10am – 2pm (11am - 3pm during daylight saving).
- Cover up, even when temperatures are in the low 20’s.
- Choose loose lightweight clothing that covers your arms, legs and neck.
- Wear a hat with a broad brim, at least 8-10cm.
- Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if swimming or perspiring.
- Wear sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard (AS 1067) to block UV and protect your eyes against cataracts.

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This sounds so generic here. But it really is true. You really need to pay attention to the sun. Even on a day it rained while at the Botanical Gardens I got sunburned. Bring with you or buy the strongest sun block you can and use it religously. No one enjoys ruining a vacation because you have sun burn.

Also be sure to wear a hat if you are going to be outside the majority of the day.

It is commonly known that the ozone layer over Australia is disappearing and because of this it is especially important that you take care and use sunscreen even if you are just walking around the city.

Depending on your skin type, I would recommend a 45 sunblock for the body and sunblock made especially for the face. For my face I use a moisturizer which has a spf of 15.

Whether you are a daily sun worshipper or haven't seen the sun in awhile, it's always best to wear sunscreen. ESPECIALLY in Australia.

If I understand correctly the hole in the oZone layer is much closer to Australia, which makes exposure to the sun especially concerning.

Just take a look at the faces (and arms) of the people on the bus or trains here and you will see how many people have skin damage from the sun. There are many doctors specializing in skin cancer here as well.

SPF 30 is the most common protection available here in Australia and it is highly recommended for EVERYONE.

One day in the sun with the wrong SPF or worse yet, with no sunscreen, and you will turn into a walking sunburn.

As they say in Australia, SLIP, SLOP, SLAP. slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat

You MUST MUST MUST wear suncream and a hat when here, even if it is not Summer or hot and sunny, you can still get burnt. Especially all you white UK people who have skin like mine!
PLEASE put on a hat!!!
You will thank me for it.

Australian sun is incredibly strong so do not go out without putting sunscreen on. Red skins doesn't look nice on the pictures:) And it hurts...