MASK tan lines amid the rise in outdoor dining and socially distanced walks are worth keeping in mind this spring.
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SunSmart lead Heather Walker says we need to be careful in Ballarat as we emerge from isolation because even a cool Ballarat spring day can cause damage.
New SunSmart research shows most Victorians often mistakenly believed temperature and sunshine were the key measures for sun protection.
Ms Walker said ultraviolent rays were not felt and were not reliant on sunny conditions. She urged for added caution following the change in restrictions, allowing regional Victorians to socialise and move about more.
A lot of coronavirus focus has been on (socialising) outdoors...Aussies are often prepared with sun protection at the beach or pool but there needs to be a greater shift to every day locations
- Heather Walker, Cancer Council of Victoria's head of SunSmart
"A lot of coronavirus focus has been on outdoors because there is less risk for the virus to spread at picnics than in homes, for example," Ms Walker said.
"Aussies are often prepared with sun protection at the beach or pool, it's top of mind, but there needs to be a greater shift to every day locations, like in working about the home, in the garden, or on a bus.
"A move towards outdoor dining will be interesting, too."
UV levels started to rise fast from mid to late August and any level rated three or higher required sun protection outside.
The predicted UV level for Ballarat on Monday is seven, even though the weather prediction is for showers and a top of 12C, according to the SunSmart app.
Ms Walker said being sun smart always needed a reminder at this time or year, but perhaps more so this year due to increasing enthusiasm to be outdoors after lockdowns - even in metropolitan areas where people could only exercise outdoors up to a two-hour limit.
Ms Walker also does not want people to be lulled into a false sense of security in wearing masks. She said the main way to avoid weird pandemic tan lines or sunburn patches was with sun protection.
When the UV level is above three, SunSmart recommends more than just sunscreen but also to: slip on protective clothing; slap on a broad hat covering face, neck and ears; seek shade and slide on wraparound sunglasses. Also to check the SunSmart app.
"Knowing when to use sun protection is just as important as knowing how to use it," Ms Walker said. "Too much UV exposure can cause damage to your skin including the deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma."
Meanwhile, a rising trend for SPF protection in make-up should also be approached with care.
Some brands and beauty experts are encouraging people to work sunscreen into the morning facial routine, while other products note SPF protection.
Ms Walker said the same guiding rules for sun protection and sunscreen should apply.
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"Generally we know women are better at sun protection than men. We recommend even if you're not planning to be outdoors for long periods to be protected," Ms Walker said. "If you are outdoors longer, don't rely on your make-up.
"You will need to reapply and women's don't typically want to do that with foundation. It's a great base when you're only out for a few minutes but you need to make sure you're properly protected."
Ms Walker said surveys show about 85 per cent of Australians do not use enough sunscreen and most do not reapply.
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