The Right Time to Start Using Sunscreen: A Guide for Aussies

Australia, with its beautiful beaches and sunny climate, is a paradise for outdoor lovers. However, this sun-drenched lifestyle has a significant responsibility: protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. 

Sunscreen is vital for protection, but when should you start using it, and what are the consequences of neglecting this crucial step in your skincare routine?

The importance of early sunscreen use

The Australian sun is no joke. With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are more susceptible to skin damage and skin cancer than many other populations.

Understanding that sunscreen isn't just for beach days or summer, it should be a daily habit, starting from a very young age.

Starting early: A habit for life

Dermatologists recommend introducing sunscreen as early as six months of age. Babies' skin is susceptible, and while they should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible, applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial when sun exposure is unavoidable.

Protective clothing and shade are the best options for children under six months, as their skin is too sensitive for most sunscreens.

Applying sunscreen daily is critical for older children and teenagers. This is where sun exposure is often at its peak—think school sports, weekend outings, and time spent at the beach or pool. Using sunscreen early in life significantly reduces the risk of developing skin issues later.

Continued use throughout adulthood

While it's crucial to start young, it's never too late to begin using sunscreen. Adults who haven't consistently used sunscreen in the past should start immediately.

The benefits of sunscreen are cumulative, meaning that even if you've neglected to protect your skin in your youth, you can still prevent further damage by adopting good habits now.

The consequences of not using sunscreen

Failing to use sunscreen regularly has serious consequences, particularly in a country like Australia, where skin cancer rates are among the highest in the world. The effects of neglecting sunscreen can range from immediate discomfort to long-term, life-threatening conditions. 

The most immediate consequence of not using sunscreen is sunburn. Sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes of sun exposure, depending on your skin type and the intensity of the UV rays. Beyond the redness and pain, sunburn is a clear sign of UV damage.

Another short-term effect of UV exposure is photodamage, which leads to premature ageing. This includes wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. While some people may think of a tan as a sign of health, it's a sign that your skin is trying to protect itself from further UV damage.

The most severe consequence of not using sunscreen is the increased risk of skin cancer. Skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun, making it a largely preventable disease.

Melanoma can develop quickly and spread if not caught early. Regular use of sunscreen reduces the risk by up to 50%.

Long-term exposure to UV rays without protection can lead to other skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis, which are rough, scaly patches of skin that can develop into cancer if left untreated.

Making sunscreen a daily habit

Given the risks, it's clear that sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. This applies every time you step outside, regardless of the weather. UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, meaning your skin is at risk even on overcast days or while driving. 

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply it every two hours or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating. Don't forget often-missed areas like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet.

Korean sunscreens excellent options to shield the skin from harmful UV rays. Here are 2 products we love: MISSHA All Around Safe Block and BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun.

Conclusion

Starting sunscreen use early in life and making it a daily habit can protect you from the immediate discomfort of sunburn and the long-term dangers of skin cancer and premature ageing. Protect your skin, and it will protect you in return.