Protecting Your Skin This Holiday Season: Skin Cancer Risks During the Australian Summer

Enjoying the Summer Safely 

As January rolls in, Australians are embracing the summer holidays with outdoor adventures, beach days, and backyard barbecues. While these activities are a fantastic way to enjoy the season, they also bring an increased risk of sun exposure, which can lead to skin damage and even skin cancer. This blog will guide you on how to protect your skin during the holiday season and why it’s crucial to be mindful of sun safety. 

The Risks of Sun Exposure During the Holidays

The Australian summer brings beautiful weather, but it also means extended hours spent under the sun. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia, and it’s directly linked to sun exposure, particularly over the long summer months. Whether you’re at the beach, playing sports, or enjoying outdoor gatherings, the risk of developing skin cancer increases with prolonged UV exposure. 

In fact, skin cancer rates are higher during the summer months due to the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s important to be aware that UV rays can cause long-term damage to your skin, even when it doesn’t feel overly hot. This damage can eventually lead to skin cancer in the form of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. 

How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun This Summer

1. Apply Sunscreen Generously  

Make sunscreen your best friend this holiday season. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Sunscreen helps block harmful UV rays and reduces the risk of skin cancer. 

2. Wear Protective Clothing 

In addition to sunscreen, protect your skin with clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves. Opt for lightweight, tightly woven fabrics that shield the skin from the sun while keeping you cool. 

3. Seek Shade  

During peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), try to stay in the shade whenever possible. This helps minimise direct exposure to the sun, reducing your risk of sunburn and skin damage. 

4. Avoid Tanning Beds  

Tanning beds expose your skin to harmful UV radiation that increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Stick to natural sun exposure, and when you’re outside, make sure to take breaks from the direct sun. 

After the Holidays: Time for a Skin Check

After weeks of outdoor fun and sun exposure, it’s important to monitor your skin for any changes. Skin cancer often appears as new or changing moles, spots, or growths on your skin. If you notice anything unusual, it’s crucial to get it checked by a healthcare professional. 

While self-checking your skin regularly is essential, regular skin checks by a doctor are vital for early detection. If you’re in the Southport or Gold Coast areas, it’s a good idea to book an appointment for a professional skin check at our Southport Skin Cancer Clinic to ensure your skin is healthy after the summer season. 

Why Choose Our Clinic for Skin Cancer Care? 

Having completed extensive further training and assessment in the skin cancer field, Dr. Donna Armstrong, Dr. James Matthews, Dr. Phyo Thandar and Dr. Graham Sivyer have obtained full accreditation with the Skin Cancer College of Australasia, and regularly attend ongoing education courses to hone their skills and remain up-to-date. 

Our consulting rooms are fully equipped with the latest technology in skin imaging, using Dermoscopy and digital image storage for the detection and monitoring of skin lesions. Dermoscopy (magnified imaging of the skin) is extremely important in diagnosing all skin cancers and it is essential that any skin doctor be extremely proficient in this skill. Storage of these images allows your doctor to identify changes in skin cells from skin check to skin check, enabling early detection of cancerous lesions requiring removal. All of our skin doctors are experienced in performing complex skin cancer surgery involving flaps and grafts, ensuring excellent cosmetic outcomes.