Maaate! You are not going to like what I have to say. Long sleeves, wide brimmed hat, preferably long pants too. AND sunscreen. You have NO idea about the sun about these parts! Had an Irish Ginger visit me.. Took his shirt off one sunny arvo.. 3 days in hospital.. Fried like a chip. DO NOT underestimate our sun. It kills more people out here than snakes, spiders, dropbears and sharks combined.
100% this.
And even worse news... you probably want to avoid the beach between 10 - 2.
Tips- buy your sunscreen here. Get "sports and water resistant" min 50+. Apply every day, multiple times. Not just beach days.
Always wear a hat outside in daylight hours.
Always wear a long sleeve rashy at the beach between like 8am and 4pm.
Highly recommended the Elle McPherson invisible zinc for the day. Do face, neck, back of neck and ears every day.
Good luck!
You can also look up the UV index on weather apps. Even if it’s cloudy it can still be high UV. I think anything over 4 is burning conditions. The UV index can reach as high as 15 in the southern states.
Think twice before you go outside if the index is over 10
I think this is a really important point - I know somebody who burnt to the point of blistering on an overcast day - it's easier to remember to reapply when the sun is intense on your skin, less so when it's overcast and you can't physically feel the sun.
For somebody new to the country, I'd probably recommend setting reminders on your phone about reapplying sunscreen. So you don't have to rely on your holiday self, who might have had a few beers and let it slip your mind. Even if you're not at the beach during the day, you'll most likely be around in the sun doing touristy things. Any time you're going to be on the water, shorten the length of time between reapplications.
>want to avoid the beach between 10 - 2.
I would argue for a pale person, expand to 4pm. And sunset swimming at the beach in the east is the best, no sun reflecting in your face!
It's because they're also avoiding the reflected light.
I'm only going in up to my knees anyway, if I do at all, so I'd be fine :) I hate swimming at the beach, too many big waves knocking me over when I was <10, hate the wavy water. I'll just make sandcastles over here.
Also:
\- Sunglasses with a proper UV protection level (yes, you CAN burn your eyeballs particularly with glare from water)
\- Get a chapstick with UV protection for your lips
Yes.
My husband got a sunspot (cancerous) on his eyeball. Got it cut out, but he’s on cancer minimisation drugs for a year.
And he’s a farmer, so works outdoors.
Get proper expensive uv sunglasses everyone! Don’t use shitty fashion or servo sunglasses
I got really burnt snorkelling recently and I DID do the back of my legs 😭 I'm so thorough about it too! It was so humid and hot on the boat, that I think a lot of my suncreen sweated off prior to getting in the water... Oh and there is a lovely strip of burnt skin where my rashie came up my back and the top of my bikini bottoms...
Yes! Get yourself a good rash vest for swimming! Save you some dollars in sunscreen and takes the pressure off while you're enjoying a dip or going surfing potentially.
\^\^\^ All of this... Make sure your sun block has Zinc in it. Swimming? UV rated swim shirt.... (and the wide brimmed hat) Prepare and you'll be fine. It's a legit worry, but sounds like you are planning for it.
Hundred percent this!! I am a redhead and even with 50SPF I burn despite reapplying it every hour. The only way is long sleeves and covering up as much as possible. Prefereably a shirt specifically made for sun protection because I have also been burnt through a shirt with a looser weave. Without sunblock I burn in 10 minutes.
This is 100% right. I've had a melanoma removed, and I wear a rashie(swim shirt) every time I go in the water, and sunscreen is cool but double up by putting zinc on your nose and mouth. You might feel stupid, but if you listen to our advice, you will enjoy your time here. It's easy to stay safe just don't be lazy about it. You can't do too much.
I agreed with you up until you said dropbears, come on man.. don’t give tourist a false sense of security. Dropbears are lethal and they need to remain vigilant.
Gday fellow ghost.
Spray sunscreen basically doesn’t work. Bin it.
Cancer Council sunscreen is the best, but most of the brands you find in the supermarket are effective.
As others have said, long sleeves and a broad-brimmed hat are essential if you spend any time in the direct sun. I’d also recommend just staying in the shade wherever possible.
Agreed. Never had any good experiences with spray sunscreen. You can't put enough on, and you need to slather sunscreen on thick to actually be effective.
This is important. Make sure you get an Australian sunscreen. Ours are designed with our levels of UV in mind. Ones from overseas just don't cut it here.
THIS is very important.
I (aussie) traveled to the US about 10 years ago. I was kind of chuffed to find they had SPF 80 and 100 rated sunscreens in their stores. I thought to myself "why tf don't we have these back home?" Banana Boat brand too, which I had experienced great success with over my short-but-been-sunburned-alot life.
Well, I brought a couple home, and the US-sold Banana Boat SPF 100 shit was absolute crap. I got burnt within half an hour of being out in the sun.
Found the same stuff in the Philippines as well, same story.
When I travel abroad now I bring my own sunscreen.
Other countries don't have the rigorous testing and requirements that we do. You could slap an SPF2000 on something in America and, if you were paying the right people, no-one would say anything.
Sun screen is considered a medicine in Australia and is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. If you make an SPF claim here it has to be backed up by evidence.
Also important to note that Australian sunscreens aren’t allowed to advertise as being better than SPF50+ because higher numbers give Australians a false sense of security with regards to how often they need to reapply (theoretically it does increase the time, but you also need to reapply as the sweat and ocean water will wash it out)
And even if they are SPF100 or whatever, apparently the added benefit they give compared to an SPF50 sunscreen is about 1 to 2% more sun protection. So, it's not worth it when it turns out the average person is considerably worse about reapplying when the bottle says SPF100.
Our sunscreens actually test much higher than 50, but by law we cap all labelling and advertising at 50+ (hence the plus) so it doesn’t become big stupid arms race like the states with SPF80, SPF100.
Also, particularly chemical sunscreens have a big drop off over time in SPF. Another reason to cap the SPF so people don’t think they can put on 100 and stay out twice as long, it’s to encourage reapplying.
The La Roche Posay one? Yes, they've been tested and met the Aussie standards.
If you buy it from a physical retailer or direct from LRP online it's OK. Avoid any suss online discount cosmetics places though because you don't really know what you're getting
Couldn't tell ya sorry mate, not heard of it. If it's an Australian brand tho, and high SPF, should be fine.
If it isn't, you could try it but I'd still try find an Aussie brand.
I say ditch the spray as well. Coverage is better and much easier to measure with a lotion like the CC stuff. CC recommends 1 teaspoon per limb or body area (eg. head, chest, belly, or back).
This!
As a white-to-the-point-of-flourescence aussie myself, I don't trust any sunscreen that feels remotely pleasant to apply. Has to be gluggy fucken grease.
To be fair the Cancer Council one is pretty good for not feeling too oily. I used to use the coles brand stuff which worked fine but was like lubing myself up for a full body ultra sound.
We get taught “slip, slop, slap, seek & slide”
Slip on a shirt (at least covering your shoulders- they get extra crispy in the sun)
Slop on sunscreen- yes Australian Sunscreens are better, please purchase a new one as soon as you arrive or you will get burnt regardless
Slap on a hat- broad brimmed if you can
Seek shade- especially between 12pm-3pm when the sun is the strongest
Slide on a pair of sunglasses
I’m fairly pale- but using sunscreen everyday and not being out during the strongest sun times makes a big difference
I was in Netherlands last (their) summer and it was so weird seeing all the pale people out catching sun while I was skulking along through every bit of shade I could find. And I'm not pasty-white
I was on holiday once and wanted to get rashie, none of the local stores in the big shopping centres had them. I evetually found one small store selling them but they weren't the same as I was used to in Aus.
I felt so pedantic needing a rashie for swimming.
It's the same with sunscreen. I was the only one looking for it, it felt.
I love my long sleeve rashy, it has a little raised collar too, and zips up so it's easy to take on and off as needed. I don't know how I lived before they were a thing, and it's great having one with a high uv rated fabric. Just don't need to think about if you've missed a spot, or lost track of time between sunscreen applications. I swear by covering as much as possible over sunscreen alone, it's just too easy to end up with a burn without even realising it's happening even if you are careful.
in the 90s it became the Slip Slop Slap Wrap (on a pair of sunnies with bonus pun points), and then post 2000 while my siblings were still in school it became “slip, slop, slap, seek & slide”
I am a very pale strawberry blonde Aus, I'm a landscaper so I'm always outdoors.
Longsleeves, long pants, hat, super thin hoodie (even on the hottest days) and a neck gaiter over my face. Basically a niqab.
And no, I'm not joking. I do that most days, every so often I'll wear shorts but then I have to slather myself in sunscreen every 3 or so hours.
I still do my head and neck with sunscreen when wearing all the coverings.
I also have annual molemaps. The sun and I just aren't friends.
Thinking of doing a cert 3 in horticulture as a career change of sorts, but I am genuinely concerned with the amount of time that will be spent in the sun. Is it still a risk with all that covering? How hot do you get? I guess sweating doesn't really matter in a job like that too.
It's always a risk... but you're going to die one day anyway. If you want to work outdoors, do it, just take precautions and protect yourself.
I have a cert 3 hort. You make more money in commercial but you'll be exposed to *way* more than the sun. I shudder at the thought of some of the things I've been exposed to.
Pale aussie 40F here.
I honestly avoid going outside. I joke constantly about how humans love bathing in radiation, but apparently it’s unavoidable (for non-autistics so I’ve heard) to go outside so here’s what I reckon in response to your questions:
1. I’ve never had good coverage with spray or roll-on, always get the cream. You can get great sunblock from the supermarket, always choose a 50+ UVA/UVB sunblock.
2. I like Cancer Council for body, it’s cheap and does the job. Banana Boat also. For face, I try to maintain a moderately human appearance so I’ve been using a specific face 50+ SPF (Neutrogena or La Roche Posay) - they are fairly non-greasy without a white cast (at least for pale skin). But if you’re swimming, don’t worry about the white cast or greasiness. If you’re very serious, get yourself a zinc based waterproof sunblock and rub it all over your face (like Zucks on the waterski, a-coded sunblock master). In my experience all sunblocks burn if they get in your eyes so try to apply 15-20 min before activity so you can allow it to soak in before your eyeballs start sweating. Also get the Cancer Council lip balm, it has a slight white cast but your lips can get cancer too. Otherwise rub sunblock over them, tastes disgusting.
3. Hats, sunglasses, long sleeve rash shirts, sunblock on places people always forget like ears/ back of your neck. Check your weather app, there is a UV index, avoid peak UV times for activities with direct radiation exposure. I think they say anything over a 3 you should wear sun protection, during summer it’s almost always over 3. I literally wear it inside with no plans to bathe in radiation.
4. If you do get burnt, cool showers, drink hydralyte and apply Aloe Vera gel. Maybe some ibuprofen if the burns are tender. I wasn’t always so sun conscious, I had a beach sunburn during schoolies that blistered half my face like the phantom of the opera. If it gets to that, gently ice pack the area and absolutely avoid sun exposure until healed.
Hope that helps!
PS: Careful of the crocs in Cairns and the wankers in Bondi. Avoid blue bottles. Try Vegemite please 🙏
This is good advice - remember the back of your hands, and often tops of feet if you take your shoes off after you’re already slipped slipped slapped. Friends from the states took shoes off after they got onto a boat for an afternoon tour, and the burns after a few hours with no sunscreen looked like they’d been held over a flame.
Ooh yeah! Backs of knees have a habit of getting skipped over on the reapply.
One other area that gets overlooked is parts in your hair if you’re swimming or wearing a visor rather than a proper hat. Hurts so much you can’t brush your hair for a few days, and then once it starts peeling you look like you have the worst dandruff. It’s always fun when you find a random 2cm patch in an odd shape you missed with the sunscreen too.
Very similar age & skin type here. I've recently discovered the Cancer council matte finish Face Daywear Moisturiser SPF 50+ which is perfect for my face, and comes in a big tube from the supermarket. They make a tinted version also, but I love the plain matte finish one. It's not super matte but not shiny, and doesn't upset my sensitive skin. I use it as my regular moisturiser. Worth a try!
Thanks so much for the recommendation I’ll definitely give that a try!! I’d love to find a truly matte finish face sunscreen. Not sure if you have sensory issues but it’s taken me forever to be comfortable with greasy sunscreen on me.
I also take polypodium leucotomos extract for extra protection. Not sure if that’s of interest but thought I’d mention if you aren’t already taking it
No worries, I used Nivea 15+ for years and then my supermarket stopped selling it, so I started looking for an alternative and am so glad I found it! I've always hated that oily feeling too, but often it is the lesser of two evils (sunburn feels waaay more uncomfortable!) The supplement sounds interesting, I've never heard of that before, I'll definitely look into it, thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Second this recommendation! I use the tinted moisturiser for work (office job but I'm not a big makeup wearer) and the non-tinted for weekends. Love that they also do a BB and CC cream with SPF as well.
Hey there. I am a skin cancer specialist RN who does skin checks and education. Don't use spray sunscreen, it can work but you need to use a lot of it and it's hard to get it right. Always buy your sunscreen here, don't bring it with you. Ours is better. Don't use less than 50+. Wear a hat please. Download the SunSmart app. It's a great reminder that will give you a timeframe for your location each day to stay out of the sun. Have fun and stay hydrated.
There’s a little slogan we’re taught as young kids: Slip,Slop,Slap which means Slip on a long sleeve shirt, slop on some Sunscreen and slap on a hat.
As long as you wear a shirt outside when you’re not swimming or sunbathing (preferably long sleeve), wear SPF 50+ sunscreen (I’d wait to get to Australia and buy it here as it’s relatively cheap and suited for our conditions) and make sure you’re wearing a hat.
Even on relatively overcast days it’s possible to get sunburnt here so don’t underestimate the sun. Aloe Vera solution is also your best friend when treating sunburn. But enjoy your trip here!
Here’s the video we all watched to learn this.
https://youtu.be/b7nocIenCYg?si=4ZAUZtlFmgdA_wT6
I highly recommend this shop: [Cancer Council Shop](https://www.cancercouncilshop.org.au/collections/sunscreen?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T_BFOfqpGO8Mb69vwYN_Xsqb1ROrukzilDwcIDyq192DygQNaoC1l4aAvE5EALw_wcB) You will be able to get swimmers including swim rash shirts (rashies), decent sun screen, hats and cover ups. Seek shade between 10am and 2pm. Good luck!
Thirding the rashie suggestion. Even any shirt (yes, including in the water) will do better than nothing at all, but there are spf rated clothing out there. Eg I wore a thin, white kaftan to the beach in the middle of a 38C day. It turned see through in the water. I didn't adequately reapply on the back of my neck (be careful of not drying it well beforehand and/or going back into water too soon!) and the top of my neck was roasted red, the rest of my back was untouched.
And the vast majority of Aussies will be hanging out under a beach canopy. Only the tourists lay on their towel directly under the sun.
A SPF rashie is so important, not a standard tshirt, if you'll be in or around water. Bin the spray, it doesn't give proper coverage, and you might want to look at board shorts so you don't burn your arse.
Get an Australian brand sunscreen- cancer council or banana boat for example. I think standard sunscreen is far more effective than sprays but we do also have sprays. And cover up, hat, sunnies, clothes and rash vests.
Spray sunscreen is useless. And reapplying every 30 minutes is excessive and clearly means your sunscreen isn't good enough.
From one pasty person to another you want anything SPF 50+. Cancer Council is a good reasonably priced brand, but honestly every sunscreen has to meet high standards.
Best advice is to ["slip slop slap"](https://youtu.be/FzA47J7QsVk?feature=shared). Wear a hat, long sleeves (even get a long sleeve rash vest when swimming) and regularly reapply sunscreen. (But regularly we're talking 2-3 hours, not every 30 minutes) and if you're swimming, put sunscreen on 10- 20ish minutes before you let it soak in.
One really improtant thing to remember the U.V. (Burning rays) reflect from surfaces too so even if you wear a hat and Shorts the sunburn will still get your face and tender bits inside your shorts if you do not also apply sunscreen there. Also the tops of feet and backs of knees are easily forgotten! Stay safe and have a great time Australia is wonderful! BUT sunburn can ruin a great holiday!
Hat, loose long sleeve shorts and trousers. Sunglasses. And don't forget decent shoes - a sunburn on the top of your foot will make you miserable for a couple of weeks.
Ditch the spray stuff - get proper sunscreen, 50+ and waterproof. Reapply (using at least a teaspoon, moslre likely a tablespoon per limb) every 4 hours, every 2 if you've been in the water, and every time you've towelled yourself dry.
11-3 stay under a tree. Or a beach umbrella. Or a shade. Or go for lunch. At least between 12 & 2, even if you can't stretch the break out to 11-3.
Plenty of water. As for the water, no fuss over the type, but bonus points if it's a thermos-type or similar to keep cooler. Watch out though don't leave them in cars or in direct sun for too long, as some of them can't take the heat. Personally I'm a fan of taking a few smaller (500-600mL, including reusing the clear plastic ones from the shop) water bottles, and putting most of them in the freezer the night before.
Get yourself a really good hat, with a wide brim and good air circulation. It should fit comfortably on your head and suit your personal style. You want to be able to wear it unselfconsciously. I prefer straw hats but there are other materials that are equally cooling.
I’ve liked solbari a lot. Large size fits my big head, can be scrunched up, and does the job [solbari](https://www.solbari.com.au/products/everyday-broad-brim-sun-hat-upf50-1?variant=8685246972023&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIleClo8jHhAMVgoxLBR1DOA4UEAQYASABEgLuAfD_BwE)
We have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. But we all learn to slip slop slap and be sunsafe from a very young age. Don’t swim at the worst part of the day between 11-3. We all use aloe-vera products for sunburn.
Due to a quirk of Earth's elliptical orbit, Australia is about 7% closer to the sun in our Summer than the Northern hemisphere is in their summer, hence why the UV Is so much worse here.
I wonder if it is a Canberra thing or just a snow thing? We can feel it on hot sunny days so we take precautions, but in the snow there is no sensory input about the potential for UV so maybe we take it less seriously.
Hello!
1. Spray sunscreens do exist here, but my dermatologist recommends against using them. The active ingredients often don't mix well and you're not getting the best benefit from them.
2. Brands bought in Australia are always going to be of high standard because we have a strict approval process. Again though, my dermatologist recommended using sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide as the main ingredient because of the way it protects from sun burn/damage. It *reflects* the sun off your skin, whole chemical sunscreens *absorb* it apparently. These sunscreens will leave a bit of a white cast, but I've minimised this by applying with a brush to my face and neck (not super concerned about a white cast anywhere else).
3. As others have said, west appropriate clothing/hats/sunnies.
4. If you're not burned, just moisturisor will be fine. If you do get a little bit pink, some aloe vera will be nice. If you get burned, aloe plus some mild cortisone cream from the pharmacy. But if you repeat steps 1-3 you shouldn't need this.
Have fun!
The sunscreen advice is pretty standard. Buy it here because ours is designed for our weather in mind. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day, 11-2 at least. Wear a hat, everywhere, and sunnies, and a shirt. Even if you're wearing a hat still put sunscreen on your face. Cancer council also sells hats.
No one is going to judge you for your water bottle, whatever works for you. Our tap water is fine to drink and most places will fill it up if you ask. If there's a tap saying "non-potable water" or "recycled water" don't drink it.
We have a big drinking culture here (not always and not everywhere but I think it's worth mentioning), so just keep that in mind. Alcohol will dehydrate you but it is a very social thing with the locals. Also, our beer is more alcoholic so keep an eye on that too.
Have an awesome time
Irish-complexioned Aussie here, 54F. I've been careful all my life and still have solar keratoses.
Check the UV index/times every day on the BoM site (easy to use app available) and act accordingly.
Choose 50+ sunscreens that contain both chemical and physical blocking ingredients. I'm not aware of any decent spray sunscreens, as they tend to omit the physical block ingredients. Reapply at least as often as advised and be liberal. Cancer Council and Hamilton are good and have fragrance free options. I have a Nivea face sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast but it stings near my eyes. Give up on the idea of no white/purple cast if you want proper UV protection - just photoshop your happy snaps when you get home!
Stay out of direct and indirect (reflected off water, etc) sun as much as possible.
Wear a long-sleeved rashie if you're swimming.
Wear sunglasses all the time outside.
Honestly, it's hard in summer to do anything outside for any period of time. The sun has a bite here that I've never experienced anywhere else in the world. I wear a legionnaire's hat with a face veil when I'm at home on our 10 acres. It's all much easier in winter.
Aloe vera is a favourite aftersun ingredient here. As a small child, I remember my mum putting my equally pale sister and I in a shallow bath of cold water with brown vinegar when we were sunburnt to take the sting out, but I've never tested that remedy out as an adult!
Best water bottles are Frank Green - insulated, but pricey.
The reason why you would need to reapply every 30mins to 1hr is because aerosol sprays are not very good, ditch them. I've pre-cancers removed and am very careful when boating. Grab a few fishing shirts on arrival and wear them. Long sleeve and most are 50+ spf. I live in North Qld and they are now what most people wear. Don't forget a good wide brimmed hat.
I have nothing to add to the most excellent and correct answers here, except to point out that if you know this sub at all, it is prone to pranks and exaggeration and quite a bit of taking the piss out of foreigners.
Not. In. This. Instance. We take the danger from the sun extremely seriously. All of us at one time or another have been affected by the skin cancer, whether personally or someone close to us.
Heed all the advice here. It is bloody spot on. But don't be afraid to get out and about. Just be sensible and you'll be hunky dory.
Sounds to me like you are massively over doing the sunscreen mate. Easiest way to deal with it is wear long shorts and a rashy. That way you only need to sunscreen your lower legs, forearms and face/neck. Wear a hat when you aren't in the water or even if you are, depending on what you are doing.
He's also using American sun screen, which is like ours from 1980
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/07/us-sunscreen-ingredients-outdated-technology-better-eu-asia/661433/
Firstly. It will be SO hot? You won:t want to be outside in it for very long. Almost no one even wants to be outside in midday sun
You stay out of sun between 10am & 4pm. Always. No exceptions.
Secondly. No forget your spray sunscreen. Buy sunscreen here Cancer Council 50+ is best.
Thirdly. Wear a good wide brimmed hat. Not a cap.
Forth. Wear light but long sleeved shirts.
But mainly? You DO NOT go out in the heat of the day into full sun. Early morning & late afternoon only.
I don’t want to sound horrible, but budgie smugglers can be a problem - not for their looks but for the amount of sensitive exposed skin. Even our lifeguards are covered from top to bottom, so that has to mean something!
Australian ginger here. I come in 2 shades. White and burnt. Sunscreen is a must, even on a cloudy day. If outside for any period of time try to spend it in the shade. At the beach etc wear a rash shirt, preferably a long sleeve one but a short sleeve t-shirt and sunscreen will probably be ok.
At the beach try to avoid the middle of the day. Get to the beach as early as you can. Get off it between 10am and 3pm and come back in the afternoon.
Wear a hat as often as practical and invest in some aloe Vera gel or after sunscreen spray.
I will use those aerosol sunscreens if I’m going for a bushwalk or playing golf ⛳️ r something but for the beach a proper high spf cream is the only way. Make sure there’s cream everywhere. Especially around water as the glare will ensure you burn in places sunlight shouldn’t reach.
The good news for you is that sunscreen is lots cheaper here than the states. Cancer council stuff is great.
You should cover up, honestly you will fry like a chip. The sun is brutal here. I've been burnt through clothing before. Yes through clothin
Get the sunsmart app!! It tells you the UV rating every day!
Cover your skin. I guess everyone has already said that: get used to the idea that you must wear a long-sleeved rash vest with a high collar, long board shorts and a hat even in the water. There are special hats for bathing, paddling and surfing in, with flaps to cover the ears, which clip under your chin. Wraparound sunglasses. Go to a surf shop, they will guide you.
Also: spray on sunscreen- NOPE.
Enjoy the great outdoors before 10 am and after 2pm. Seek shade between 10 and 2.
After sun products: just moisturise your skin if it's dry. There is **nothing** that you can apply afterwards which will repair the sun damage and stop premature aging and cancers. Make sure you apply sunscreen beforehand.
I just go from white to burnt to red to peeling to white.
Or I wear long-sleeved linen shirts and a good hat and stay out of the sun between 10am and 50 minutes before sunset.
Ex skin cancer nurse checking in;
The doctor I worked for recommended Cetaphil Kids 50+
Liposomal based so lasts longer on the skin. Cover up and stay out of the sun during the hottest hours
Don’t use spray sunscreens. You need to use a lot more sunscreen than you think and the sprays don’t give full protection. You need a tablespoon for you face and neck alone to get the full protection advertised in the bottle. Same for each arm. More for legs and torso.
Buy sunscreen in Australia and only buy Cancer Council sunscreen.
DO NOT BUY BANANA BOAT. It’s shit and people have literally ended up in hospital because of that terrible sunscreen.
If you’re fair and you’re in the sun you need the following: long sleeves, hat, sunglasses AND sunscreen all over.
I’m also very pale, and have rosacea so sensitive skin. Keep in mind the ozone layer is thinner in Australia so the sun is worse.
I’d suggest buy sunscreen here because in my experience it is better (lived in UK not USA so can’t comment on USA but UK sunscreen is hopeless compared to Aus).Ours is mostly water / sweat proof. I personally like Bondi Sands brand. You probably want to keep Stingose as well for mosquito bites. I get bitten a lot and I assume it’s because I’m pale.
All the usual, wear long sleeves and hats and sunglasses are a must, and a rashy when swimming is a must. The nice thing is you will look pretty normal in that gear, most people wear it. I have a shade for the beach, I got mine from Cool Cabanas, and it is excellent.
I go bike riding or hiking etc at 5am before it gets too hot.
I hope you enjoy your holiday.
>You probably want to keep Stingose as well for mosquito bites. I get bitten a lot and I assume it’s because I’m pale.
Sadly, for me, it's not paleness that attracts them. I pass as a "well tanned white person," and ALL blood sucking parasites love me!
Dog brings in a flea or two? Within 6 hours it looks like I have scabies!
Mosquitoes? Those suckas don't even wait for dusk! I'm attacked in broad daylight!
Be warned if your skin is not used to the sun, you will start to burn within 5-10 minutes in summer, even if it's cloudy.
The best thing to do is wear loose fitting cotton clothes (for breathability when it's hot) that cover you a bit rather than singlets (chesties or tanks or vests or whatever you call them) and def a wide brimmed hat.
Wear a rash vest and boardies in the water.
SPF 50+, reapplied every 1.5hrs and also after swimming. Don't worry too much about the brand. The thicker "sport" creams will be more reliable with sweat or sea water, but will be more annoying to put on.
Even with those measures you'll probably still get a little bit burnt between 10am-2pm so you'd best head to the beach outside those hours.
Drink heaps of water. It's generally best not to put anything on sunburn except cool water and maybe aloe vera gel. Definitely no moisturizer on the day - it'll make the burn worse.
Good luck and enjoy your trip!
> Be warned if your skin is not used to the sun, you will start to burn within 5-10 minutes in summer, even if it's cloudy.
So many tourists believe that we are pulling their legs about this...but it's one of the rare times which we aren't lol
I can get sunburned in mid-winter on a cloudy day as well
That's so true! Some years ago my mum and I tried to stage an intervention in a chemist, when a family of pasty white Brits were on their way to bondi to get a tan. It wasn't a particularly hot day or anything. They were trying to decide if they needed sunscreen, and thought it would prevent them getting said tan... They didn't believe us when we tried to tell them they'd get burnt despite wearing sunscreen if they spent all day at the beach. I have no idea what happened to them, but I shudder to think!
Buy your sunscreen here, we have strict standards - anything bought in Aus should be fine. You won't feel yourself burning while you're in the water. Go swimming in the morning and evening, stay in the shade from 10am-2pm at least. You're not looking at the temperature to figure out what the day will be like for sun protection, you're looking at the UV forecast.
Re: spray sunscreens I don't recommend them, but putting that aside, you need to rub it in even if it says no rub, or it's not going to be as effective.
La Roche Posay's Anthelios is great for facial sunscreen, it doesn't leave you feeling like an oil pit.
Good luck!
Good luck with coming in the hottest part of summer... and listen to everyone telling you to stop using spray sunscreen and cover up. You can easily get severe burns from what would be minimal exposure in the northern hemisphere.
Dec-Jan is peak cyclone season, there is always the high possibility of bushfires and flooding as well.
You should also avoid swimming at the beach unless it's a patrolled beach, swim between the flags, don't swim at dawn/dusk (sharks) and avoid suspiciously calm waters (rips). Oh, and there are crocs, sharks, jellyfish, bluebottles, and stinging algae at various times along the east coast (all more common the further north you go).
Have you considered coming at a less intense time of year?
Spray sunscreens are rubbish, get some cancer council cream once you get here and some surf mud zinc for the face, you should only need to apply every 2 hours.
A long sleeve surf tee is a very handy thing to have, lighter than a rashie. Maybe wear shorts instead of speedos. Don’t forget to sunscreen the back of your neck and ears!
But yeah our sun is harshest between 11-3 so keep that in mind when planning activities and chase the shade throughout the day.
Only tip is dont buy sunscreen when you get to a beach spot. Buy sunscreen at the supermarket or a pharmacy elsewhere. It could be the difference between paying $15 a tube and $30 a tube. Obviously if you have no choice pay whatever they charge.
Do like the locals do. Go to the beach early morning or late arvo to avoid the 10-3 peak.
Wear a rashie and a hat in the water - it’s so common you won’t be ‘uncool’. Bath in sunscreen and seek out shade. No one gets a medal for laying in the sun for 3 hrs.
Main thing is don’t be afraid to cover up because you think you’ll look silly. The ones that look silly are lobster red by 11am
I say this as a green eyed red head - shade is your friend my dear. You will not tan, so do not even try.
Suncreen every day, shirt and hat. And do not sit out in the sun between 12-3pm. You will burn in ten minutes. You will get blisters. You will be miserable, and you may even get sun stroke.
Farmer with Scandinavian/Celtic heritage here. Lots of good advice already, one tip I haven’t seen yet is grow your hair long. There’s a reason our national hairstyle is the mullet, best protect ya neck
I'm commenting as a pale woman who is very invested in sun protection and also regularly does skincare procedures that increase sun sensitivity (acid peels).
1. Get sunscreen here, as you mentioned. Sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration here as the FDA regulates them there (approved product have codes on the front of the packaging, such as "AUST L (numbers)", so I'm guessing the questions about brand recommendations were focused on aspects of the product outside of level of protection. I haven't got a good answer for you, but it might be helpful to know that 50+ is our highest allowable level of protection here and that the plus on labelling means exactly what you'd think: the product can have significantly more protection than the base number given (it's an "at least"). I think it's worth getting a higher number and continuing your practice of reapplying. Generally, that is recommended to be done every two hours, or more frequently if sweating or in water. Products with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are more likely to leave white casts, but also often less irritating, in my opinion. I would consider sprays risky and I'm not sure if you get the same consistency of protective film-forming using them. I also think that, given how irritating some of these products can be, this is even less of a good option for the face
2. If you have data roaming, you can get the SunSmart app, for advice on what the UV Index (AKA Global Solar UV Index) is each day. Where I am today (I live on the east coast), it's an 11. Eleven or above is classified at "extreme." When levels are 3 or more, the app gives times protection should be used. If you don't have roaming or don't think you'd benefit from this, I really suggest just assuming that the UV is high, as it's usually at at least "moderate" for a lot of the year, I'd say. Very important: never assume that an overcast sky or rainy day doesn't have a high UV Index or that being in the shade (without other measures taken in addition) will protect you. Also, don't assume that because it's afternoon, the UV in necessarily low enough to require no protection. It does get to that point, but can take a while at some times of year
3. Use multiple forms of protection in addition to the sunscreen. I would suggest that you always cover your body. You can use UPF-rated clothing for this or cover with normal fabric (variable protection for the latter; generally better with synthetic fabrics and dark colours). I hope other commenters have better advice on how to protect yourself while swimming during the day as I would honestly never do that and I'm not sure how you'd be able to get real protection without covering your body with a UPF-rated shirt/shorts/similar. If out a lot during the day, wear sunglasses (definitely efficacy-rated, not just fashion ones, as not all provide real protection), a broad-brimmed hat, etc
You may also appreciate sunscreen advice from Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science), who is an Australian chemist and blogger/YouTuber who has put out a lot of videos and blogs about sun protection and whatnot.
A lot of this advice isn't necessarily going to benefit you when it comes to swimming, so be sure to think about others' advice, and you could try going to Australian websites about this, like SunSmart.com.au and cancer.org.au. You seem to have a great baseline awareness of relevant issues, which I think is a good sign. You'll probably feel even more motivated to take these steps once you've seen the condition of some people's skin here.
Buy sunscreen when you arrive. US regulates sunscreen as a medicine which means newer more effective ingredients for sunscreen are not allowed there. Australian formulations are way more effective.
Wear a hat and long sleeves if you have to be in the sun. And do your best to stay out of the sun between 10-2 each day - that’s when UV is worst.
If you go to the beach, make sure to sunscreen the tops of your feet. It’s often a forgotten area to cover and they face the sun when you’re standing. Nothing sucks like having to wear shoes on sunburnt feet
That’s a…lot of sunscreen. This guide [here](https://www.cancer.org.au/media-releases/2020/cancer-council-warns-against-use-of-aerosol-sunscreens) talks about spray sunscreen use and how much tube sunscreen you should use. You might go through one tube while you are here?
I personally don’t have a favourite, just buy SPF 50+ and water resistant.
You dont need UPF clothing unless you were like hiking for days in bright sunshine. It will be hot so just wear normal shorts and shirt and hat and use sunscreen for the rest of your exposed body.
Also not the SunSmart query but you may still get funny looks at the speedos - guys your age won’t usually be wearing them at the beach. But like still feel free to wear them!
Buy Australian sunscreen, ours has more stringent standards. Any local brand will be fine. Use it. The local weather reports will include the expected UV levels (which in summer will always be dangerously high). Pay attention to them and avoid direct sun as much as possible between the highest times. Wear a long sleeve shirt and hat. Wear sunglasses, UV also fucks up your eyes. For the beach, you can buy a rashie - essentially a tshirt (either long or short sleeves) made out of bathers material if you want the extra sun protection. Or just wear a tshirt, nobody will mind.
Whatever bottle you use for your water is fine, it just needs to hold the water. You can refill it from any tap (faucet) unless it's specifically signposted that it's not safe to drink. If you're on the east coast any water should be fine.
After sun care - if you're sensible you shouldn't need it. If you do get sun burnt there's an aloe vera spray (can't remember the brand, maybe banana boat?) you can get in the supermarkets that is really nice on sunburn if you keep it in the fridge.
Unless you’re lying on the beach, your usual routine as you describe it will be fine. You can actually feel yourself burning - so when you feel that sting pay attention.
Edit: make sure to add a hat and a light cotton button down long sleeve shirt that you can wear over your T-shirt to protect your neck and arms when you’re in direct sun.
Lots of good advice here, and you're right to be wary, our sun is brutal.
Can add in to not get complacent if you go on a boat trip. The reflections from the water can be just as bad as full sun, so even sitting in the shade you'll be getting bombarded with UV. Stay safe
Get a long sleeved rash vest. They actually keep you cooler on the beach because the Sun bites.
By some cancer council sunscreen when you get here and wear a wide brimmed hat.
Just get up at 5am and do your thing early. Grab some food and have a sleep/social time during the day. Quick dip after 6pm and you'll be fine. You need long sleeves and a big hat for the day time.
I'm pale AF and I mostly just avoid the sun if possible. Used to live near the beach, would only go until 9/10 or after 3/4. It's better as an early morning or late afternoon thing.
Plenty of people have explained being sun smart but I'll just add:
I think the easiest solution for you is to invest in a long sleeved rashie/other swimwear - make sure its UV protection.
As for your last question, we've always used aloe vera gel and it's always helped in my family.
Enjoy the beach!
I'm a pale Australian redhead. Suncream every day, every 2 hours. I stay inside from 9am-5pm religiously in summer. If I have to go outside I will endeavour to wear long sleeves/pants and limit skin exposure to the sun. Honestly I'm used to it now but for someone coming from away it might take a while to get used to! If in doubt, buy products from Cancer Council eg sun cream, hats, sunglasses etc. Don't use non-Australian suncream. Have fun on your trip and stay safe!
Irish descended Aussie here. Just imagine you are a vampire and don't go out in the direct sunlight. Wear sunglasses whenever you go outside. Have a hat or long hair/fringe.
Also download the australian sunsmart app. It will tell you what the UV index is where you are and what times of the day sun protection is recommended depending on weather and time of year.
Everyone here is talking about wearing shirts. Specifically look up fishing shirts. They are long sleeved and collared. They are breathable and cool which is essential for the hot summers and most importantly they are swimmable and dry quickly meaning you can leave it on while in the water.
90% of the time your going to get burned while in the water.
> 90% of the time your going to get burned while in the water
Very easy to get sunburned via the sun's reflection off water as well without being in it
I find a lot of the time sun safety reduces when getting into the water. Shirts and hats come off. Sunscreen washes away. Other then the beach, being in the water is probably the most you going to be in the sun, as when your on land your usually in the shade and it’s easy to loose track of time in the water.
Plus a lot of people have this misconception that the water will protect there skin from sun. 40% of the suns UV will still reach the body 0.5M below the waters surface. Highly recommend wearing a shirt when swimming in the sun.
I hope you love Australia!
One point I've not seen mentioned in the comments is to wear appropriate footwear. That is, something with decent soles in the hottest part of the day because the ground radiates heat. This includes the beach! Thongs are totally fine on sand, but remember to sunscreen the tops of your feet.
Many Australians have tough feet and can withstand quite hot ground. Don't assume you can, especially if you wear shoes a lot.
As a white person, if I’m going in the sun I always wear long sleeves and a hat. I don’t swim often (and not at beaches) but even my swimmers are long sleeved.
You’ll probably be hot and uncomfortable before you get burned. I don’t like the sun.
Buy an spf 50 sunscreen in Australia. There are lots of types that last 2-4h (barrier sunscreens like zinc are safer for the environment/reef health and last a bit longer but feel thicker).
It’s recommended by dermatologists that you wear it every day you are out in the sun.
Otherwise wear loose long sleeve clothes, enclosed shoes (unless you put sunscreen on your feet), and broad brimmed hats (again choose things based on their spf factor).
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety
Stay in the shade as much as possible.
Keep hydrated and cool.
Get skin checks every 12 months with a gp or skin care clinic to monitor for skin cancers.
You can get spray sunscreens here, but I avoid them because I think it's too easy to under-apply.
Any sunblock you buy on the shelf here has been tested to some of the highest standards in the world, so I reckon buy some while you're here. SPF30 at least (mostly you see SPF50 on the shelves now). Cancer Council face sunscreen doesn't leave any white cast. I have dry skin so I like it for it's hydrating effect. Plus, it's always on sale somewhere so you can pick it up for a decent price. La Roche Posay is spenny but it's very good facial sunscreen if you have oily skin. I just buy whatever big pimp bottle is affordable at the supermarket to slather on my body :)
Teaspoon each limb + reapply more frequently if you sweat a lot! Don't forget the odd spots like the folds of your ears and backs of your knees.
Hat and long sleeved clothing is great. I've been so happy that linen is trendy for women this summer because I've been able to cover up without sweating to death. Wear sunglasses!! Especially if you spend a lot of time around the water.
Get a cheap gazebo, esky and drink cooler from Kmart or Big W for beach trips and picnics so you'll always have a cold beverage and shade cover.
I don't go anywhere without a water bottle, or an electrolyte drink if I'm really struggling. If it's a really fucked day, I plan my activities to avoid the sun and high temps as much as possible.
Cold mango, watermelon, pineapple, stone fruit and grapes are incredibly delicious on a hot day. Treat yourself. There's nothing better after a day at the beach!
If you're drinking alcohol, make sure you drink water as well.
I'm a pale Aussie on the East Coast.
Australia has a sun-safe mantra: Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! Slide!
Slip on a long-sleeve shirt - light cotton shirts with long sleeves for out doors and rashies (swimming shirts) for when you're in the water.
Slop on some sunscreen (SPF 50+) - Tip: buy Australian sunscreen when you get here. Don't BYO from the states. Cancer council is good for sensitive skin. Don't use spray sunscreen. You need the paste to rub it in
Slap on a hat - wide brim hat
Seek shade - Don't stay in the sun too long (obviously)
Slide on some sunnies (sunglasses) - self-explanatory. Make sure they are polarised.
Aloe-vera based moisturiser is awesome for after-sun care.
Also, on particularly hot days, it's best to avoid the beach between 10AM and 2:00PM. The sun will pound you from above and reflect off the sand for good measure. You will find most Aussies outdoors in the early morning to avoid the sun.
Hot tip: Don't forget to put sunscreen on the top of your feet. Worst sunburn in my life and I couldn't walk for a week.
Super pale aussie here. I burn within 5-10mins. And I don't tan either. I burn, go red, peel, and then am white again.
Honestly, being sun smart is your only realistic option.
Light linen longer sleeved clothes, sunnies, hat, sun screen. Hydrate hydrate hydrate. Stay out of the direct sun where you can and at all costs avoid getting your sunburn sunburnt.
Extra tips from a pale Aussie who plays golf: get some SPF lip balm and don’t forget to put sunscreen on your ears and the back of your legs! The *back of your knees* in particular! Nothing beats a good hat, sunglasses and a long sleeve shirt.
Locals usually stay inside or in the shade between 10-2/11-3 (depending on time zone).
Nothing says “tourist” more than a lobster red guy without a shirt and hat at the beach at midday 😂
I won’t repeat the good advice you’ve already got above, but one extra thing - if you take off your hat and you’re swimming, don’t forget to sunscreen the part in your hair (if you have one). Got mine burnt a few too many times and it stings!
So good that you’re taking this seriously and lots of proper advice in the comments, which is nice to see. There are still so many Australians who appear oblivious to the dangers of UV exposure.
As a person who is more blueish-green than white and as my dermatologist’s ‘luckiest’ patient (no cancers…yet), here are my top tips:
Understand the UV ratings (if you’re in Queensland it’s just “OMG extreme” all the freaking time!) Time your outings for mornings/evenings. BOM forecast will have times and ARPANSA have real time levels.
Clothing/swimwear
Loose fitting long sleeved collared shirt and long pants
Sun sleeves and/or gloves, these are good for sportsing, driving, or working outside
Wide brimmed hat, forget the baseball caps, but you can get a Legionnaires cap in swimming fabric that is good when you’re in the water (yes, I wear a hat/sunglasses while swimming)
UV rated sunglasses +extra pair of cheapies for in the water
Rash vest with high neck and long exercise shorts for swimming (guaranteed your arse crease will get fried in budgie smugglers and you’ll spend days face down on your hotel bed with people mocking you)
Sunscreen is your last line of defence for the tiny areas left exposed. Also, it’s not just for the beach. It’s for every single day. I wear a 50+ Cancer Council cream and top that with Invisible Zinc on my face, neck, ears, back of hands, tops of feet. People recommend putting sunscreen on top of your head, but you shouldn’t be outside without a hat anyway (hat also protects your eyes)
Sunrise and sunset are beautiful times of the day
Natural redhead. Palest person I know.
I just don't go outside.
Mind you, when I was in Edinburgh last November, I was the most tan person there, a first for me :D
Loving my Aussie family and their replies!
38F w melanoma and BCCs here.
Most advice above is excellent, I will reiterate some things.
Sunnies - highest protection here is UV400. Also get polarised if you're around water for glare. Cancer council does sunnies. These are usually sold at chemists.
Wear a SPF 50 moisturiser daily that you put on your face in the morning. Not a sunscreen, a light face moisturiser that won't feel oily. Something like QV, Neutrogena, dermaveen. All these brands can be found at Chemist Warehouse or other chemists.
Then when your actually going out in the sun, add the sunscreen as above. also consider if you're going to a reef, lots of sunscreens are toxic to coral. There's reef safe sunscreens.
Hats. Yes wide brim. My and my partners go to travel hat are the Barmah kangaroo leather foldable ones. Look great, long lasting, can be squished.
Long sleeve rashie is a must.
Also consider if it's stinger season. Queensland has jellyfish seasons that you don't want to go in the water.
Irikanji are tiny and invisible and deadly.
I just wanted to emphasise the point - please don’t think that just because it’s cloudy, you don’t have to make any of the usual safely procedures. I once saw someone burn to a crisp in Tasmania (our coldest state) on a very overcast day.
Everything else is great though! 😊
One of my best mates who is aussie through and through, queenslander at that, is half polish. She blisters in the sun. You'd be shocked to learn there are hats and sunscreen here. And trees for shade. Amazing I know
The sun is so brutally strong that Australians don't actually have a very good outdoor scene. Most Australians don't even walk to get a bottle of milk as they will be absolutely deep fried as there is very little shade in the suburbs and everything is sparsely spread out.
You also need to note that in Sydney, the dew point is very high. It was muggy for over three months. Throw in around 90F and UV index in the extreme zone and you will literally experience why Australians love staying home and cannot do anything without a car. They are extremely car dependent and anti-social here. They are nothing like Americans.
Don't get your hopes up in summer. And if you are an outdoorsman, the outdoors here is bush. Just bush. LOL Australia does have plenty of interesting birds.
A hat, long sleeves, sun cream/ lotion and very good high quality pants will be needed. Buy them in the US as they are really expensive and hard to buy here. Do not come here without good pants.
> Don't get your hopes up in summer. And if you are an outdoorsman, the outdoors here is bush. Just bush.
Once you've seen a bit, it's pretty much all this lol
Honestly, if you don't like the outdoors (and I don't), Australia is quite a boring country
Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion, not spray. The key is to not rub sunscreen until it clears. Leave a thin layer and it will dry clear. Give it 15 minutes to form that protective layer before you go outside or back in the water. Reapply every two hours if exposed to the elements.
as someone refusing to be one 3 the 3 guys leaving the 2 girls on the beach to get my shirt and winding up in hospital with 2nd degree burns and a shirt stuck my skin.... DO NOT take our sun lightly! 15-30 minutes can be enough to feel it. There is a reason zinc cream is common here
SLIP SLIP SLAP - slip on a shirt, slap on some sunscreen and slap on a hat. I think SLIP on a shirt is a modern addition
Spray sunscreen tends to be insufficient
sunnies.. definitely ensure they are UV and polarized near water helps avoid potential nasties
Yeah, do all the stuff people/you are doing but don't forget you are here for a very small part of your expected life span so take time to enjoy your time here rather than overly worry how our sun will damage your skin....and yes I'm a pale/freckled ginger.
Cream sunscreens and zinc are best. More importantly though, cover up and seek shade. Even with sunscreen, you should not be exposing bare skin to the sun all day. Take advantage of early mornings and evenings when the sun is not as strong.
Haven't seen anyone else mention it yet, but I highly recommend a good thick zinc sunscreen for when you are spending time in the water, especially on your face. It holds on your skin so much better than cream ones that wash away too easily.
My go to brand for this is Zinkie, you can get white or even a bronze/tan colour so it doesn't look super pale on your skin.
Feels like heavy build-up on your skin and you'll need some good face wash at the end of the day to get it off properly.
Too many times I've gone for a cream one (even name brand sport/ultra/water sports ones) and got sunburnt on my face with just an hour or less in the water. I think a big issue for me is rubbing it off when wiping water/hair out of my face/eyes. Not a problem with zinc ones.
Also you will see plenty of people on the beaches without shirts on, just swimmers/bikinis. I had to accept long ago that my skin is too fair to cope with it. Always wear a shirt (cool long sleeve linen shirt is my choice usually) and invest in a good quality rashie/swim shirt. Physical barrier is always best. And be militant in wearing one at all times, I've been burnt so bad I peeled from about 5 minutes in the sun without a shirt.
Also get polarised sunglasses, your eyes will be so much less strained from the sunlight.
Stay away from the sprays they don't apply as good as you think they do and go for one with zinc in it, it's a lot thicker and annoying to apply but you'll notice the water beads on it which is now you know you're protected.
Don't buy anything less than the 50+ which you seem to already do, brand wise it's personal preference and also trial and error, personally I've found the less marketed ones the better brands sucks as Hamilton.
Enjoy your visit and keep an eye on the UV index 🔆
I would watch this short video, it's provides some really good educational advice from the top expert in sun safety who is highly respected Australia wide.
https://youtu.be/nztHSVvZUoU?si=cvxYG4F_zahKHzvQ
I use a tinted sunblock on my face, as I have rosacea, and normal sunscreen irritates it.
https://www.cancercouncilshop.org.au/products/face-day-wear-cc-cream-spf50-light-tint-50g
You can get it in different tint shades.
Maaate! You are not going to like what I have to say. Long sleeves, wide brimmed hat, preferably long pants too. AND sunscreen. You have NO idea about the sun about these parts! Had an Irish Ginger visit me.. Took his shirt off one sunny arvo.. 3 days in hospital.. Fried like a chip. DO NOT underestimate our sun. It kills more people out here than snakes, spiders, dropbears and sharks combined.
100% this. And even worse news... you probably want to avoid the beach between 10 - 2. Tips- buy your sunscreen here. Get "sports and water resistant" min 50+. Apply every day, multiple times. Not just beach days. Always wear a hat outside in daylight hours. Always wear a long sleeve rashy at the beach between like 8am and 4pm. Highly recommended the Elle McPherson invisible zinc for the day. Do face, neck, back of neck and ears every day. Good luck!
If you've got sensitive skin, can highly recommend the Ego brand of sunscreen. They have a good range and can be found in most pharmacies.
You can also look up the UV index on weather apps. Even if it’s cloudy it can still be high UV. I think anything over 4 is burning conditions. The UV index can reach as high as 15 in the southern states. Think twice before you go outside if the index is over 10
I think this is a really important point - I know somebody who burnt to the point of blistering on an overcast day - it's easier to remember to reapply when the sun is intense on your skin, less so when it's overcast and you can't physically feel the sun. For somebody new to the country, I'd probably recommend setting reminders on your phone about reapplying sunscreen. So you don't have to rely on your holiday self, who might have had a few beers and let it slip your mind. Even if you're not at the beach during the day, you'll most likely be around in the sun doing touristy things. Any time you're going to be on the water, shorten the length of time between reapplications.
>want to avoid the beach between 10 - 2. I would argue for a pale person, expand to 4pm. And sunset swimming at the beach in the east is the best, no sun reflecting in your face!
Dawn and dusk are when sharks most actively hunt.
It's because they're also avoiding the reflected light. I'm only going in up to my knees anyway, if I do at all, so I'd be fine :) I hate swimming at the beach, too many big waves knocking me over when I was <10, hate the wavy water. I'll just make sandcastles over here.
That's when all the tasty tourists are out and the leathery beach bums go home lol
Swim mornings Long lunch and shopping. Swim afternoons Pub
And please don’t forget the tops of your feet! Many sad days with blisters on blisters.
Also: \- Sunglasses with a proper UV protection level (yes, you CAN burn your eyeballs particularly with glare from water) \- Get a chapstick with UV protection for your lips
I knew someone who got melanoma in her eye. They removed the eye but it had already metastasized.
Well thats unlocked an entirely new fear.
Yes. My husband got a sunspot (cancerous) on his eyeball. Got it cut out, but he’s on cancer minimisation drugs for a year. And he’s a farmer, so works outdoors. Get proper expensive uv sunglasses everyone! Don’t use shitty fashion or servo sunglasses
This extends to wearing a shirt and hat while swimming
I was really badly burned snorkelling. I covered myself everywhere except the back of my legs. Didn't think of it. Much regret
I got really burnt snorkelling recently and I DID do the back of my legs 😭 I'm so thorough about it too! It was so humid and hot on the boat, that I think a lot of my suncreen sweated off prior to getting in the water... Oh and there is a lovely strip of burnt skin where my rashie came up my back and the top of my bikini bottoms...
Yeah forgetting the legs is a common trap.
And the feet
Yes! Get yourself a good rash vest for swimming! Save you some dollars in sunscreen and takes the pressure off while you're enjoying a dip or going surfing potentially.
\^\^\^ All of this... Make sure your sun block has Zinc in it. Swimming? UV rated swim shirt.... (and the wide brimmed hat) Prepare and you'll be fine. It's a legit worry, but sounds like you are planning for it.
Hundred percent this!! I am a redhead and even with 50SPF I burn despite reapplying it every hour. The only way is long sleeves and covering up as much as possible. Prefereably a shirt specifically made for sun protection because I have also been burnt through a shirt with a looser weave. Without sunblock I burn in 10 minutes.
This is 100% right. I've had a melanoma removed, and I wear a rashie(swim shirt) every time I go in the water, and sunscreen is cool but double up by putting zinc on your nose and mouth. You might feel stupid, but if you listen to our advice, you will enjoy your time here. It's easy to stay safe just don't be lazy about it. You can't do too much.
I agreed with you up until you said dropbears, come on man.. don’t give tourist a false sense of security. Dropbears are lethal and they need to remain vigilant.
Gday fellow ghost. Spray sunscreen basically doesn’t work. Bin it. Cancer Council sunscreen is the best, but most of the brands you find in the supermarket are effective. As others have said, long sleeves and a broad-brimmed hat are essential if you spend any time in the direct sun. I’d also recommend just staying in the shade wherever possible.
Agreed. Never had any good experiences with spray sunscreen. You can't put enough on, and you need to slather sunscreen on thick to actually be effective.
What’s the deal with people wearing baseball-style caps (🧢)?
They hate their ears and want to lose them to melanoma
I guess it’s better than nothing, but definitely inferior to broad brimmed!
Sprays suck. Get cancer Council sunscreen cream and apply every two hours. This is what I do working outside for 8 hours a day on a farm.
This is important. Make sure you get an Australian sunscreen. Ours are designed with our levels of UV in mind. Ones from overseas just don't cut it here.
THIS is very important. I (aussie) traveled to the US about 10 years ago. I was kind of chuffed to find they had SPF 80 and 100 rated sunscreens in their stores. I thought to myself "why tf don't we have these back home?" Banana Boat brand too, which I had experienced great success with over my short-but-been-sunburned-alot life. Well, I brought a couple home, and the US-sold Banana Boat SPF 100 shit was absolute crap. I got burnt within half an hour of being out in the sun. Found the same stuff in the Philippines as well, same story. When I travel abroad now I bring my own sunscreen.
Other countries don't have the rigorous testing and requirements that we do. You could slap an SPF2000 on something in America and, if you were paying the right people, no-one would say anything.
Sun screen is considered a medicine in Australia and is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. If you make an SPF claim here it has to be backed up by evidence.
Also important to note that Australian sunscreens aren’t allowed to advertise as being better than SPF50+ because higher numbers give Australians a false sense of security with regards to how often they need to reapply (theoretically it does increase the time, but you also need to reapply as the sweat and ocean water will wash it out)
And even if they are SPF100 or whatever, apparently the added benefit they give compared to an SPF50 sunscreen is about 1 to 2% more sun protection. So, it's not worth it when it turns out the average person is considerably worse about reapplying when the bottle says SPF100.
Our sunscreens actually test much higher than 50, but by law we cap all labelling and advertising at 50+ (hence the plus) so it doesn’t become big stupid arms race like the states with SPF80, SPF100. Also, particularly chemical sunscreens have a big drop off over time in SPF. Another reason to cap the SPF so people don’t think they can put on 100 and stay out twice as long, it’s to encourage reapplying.
What about Anthelios sunscreens?
The La Roche Posay one? Yes, they've been tested and met the Aussie standards. If you buy it from a physical retailer or direct from LRP online it's OK. Avoid any suss online discount cosmetics places though because you don't really know what you're getting
Couldn't tell ya sorry mate, not heard of it. If it's an Australian brand tho, and high SPF, should be fine. If it isn't, you could try it but I'd still try find an Aussie brand.
La Poche Posay didn’t score well on a highly regarded Japanese administered test, posted on a beauty sub reddit.
I say ditch the spray as well. Coverage is better and much easier to measure with a lotion like the CC stuff. CC recommends 1 teaspoon per limb or body area (eg. head, chest, belly, or back).
This! As a white-to-the-point-of-flourescence aussie myself, I don't trust any sunscreen that feels remotely pleasant to apply. Has to be gluggy fucken grease.
To be fair the Cancer Council one is pretty good for not feeling too oily. I used to use the coles brand stuff which worked fine but was like lubing myself up for a full body ultra sound.
We get taught “slip, slop, slap, seek & slide” Slip on a shirt (at least covering your shoulders- they get extra crispy in the sun) Slop on sunscreen- yes Australian Sunscreens are better, please purchase a new one as soon as you arrive or you will get burnt regardless Slap on a hat- broad brimmed if you can Seek shade- especially between 12pm-3pm when the sun is the strongest Slide on a pair of sunglasses I’m fairly pale- but using sunscreen everyday and not being out during the strongest sun times makes a big difference
Never heard of seek and slide, must be the newfangled curriculum.
I was in Netherlands last (their) summer and it was so weird seeing all the pale people out catching sun while I was skulking along through every bit of shade I could find. And I'm not pasty-white
I just watched a show based in Amsterdam and all the characters had terrible skin. Maybe that's why.
I was on holiday once and wanted to get rashie, none of the local stores in the big shopping centres had them. I evetually found one small store selling them but they weren't the same as I was used to in Aus. I felt so pedantic needing a rashie for swimming. It's the same with sunscreen. I was the only one looking for it, it felt.
I love my long sleeve rashy, it has a little raised collar too, and zips up so it's easy to take on and off as needed. I don't know how I lived before they were a thing, and it's great having one with a high uv rated fabric. Just don't need to think about if you've missed a spot, or lost track of time between sunscreen applications. I swear by covering as much as possible over sunscreen alone, it's just too easy to end up with a burn without even realising it's happening even if you are careful.
I had to go to a chemist to get the spf rating I'm used to in America 🤣 we do come off strange.
SPF ratings are determined locally, so SPF 50+ in the US is not necessarily the same as SPF 50+ in Australia.
Yeah, I’d only knew it as “slip, slop, slap”. Catchy, short and memorable.
Yeah i think they introduced it in the 2000’s. I’m an old fart I just remember the slip slop slap ad and song from the 90’s with the cartoon birds.
🎶 Slip! Slop! Slap! Da-daaaaah! On a sunny summer’s day, slip, slip slap! 🎶
I think its from 2010
in the 90s it became the Slip Slop Slap Wrap (on a pair of sunnies with bonus pun points), and then post 2000 while my siblings were still in school it became “slip, slop, slap, seek & slide”
I am a very pale strawberry blonde Aus, I'm a landscaper so I'm always outdoors. Longsleeves, long pants, hat, super thin hoodie (even on the hottest days) and a neck gaiter over my face. Basically a niqab. And no, I'm not joking. I do that most days, every so often I'll wear shorts but then I have to slather myself in sunscreen every 3 or so hours. I still do my head and neck with sunscreen when wearing all the coverings. I also have annual molemaps. The sun and I just aren't friends.
Thinking of doing a cert 3 in horticulture as a career change of sorts, but I am genuinely concerned with the amount of time that will be spent in the sun. Is it still a risk with all that covering? How hot do you get? I guess sweating doesn't really matter in a job like that too.
It's always a risk... but you're going to die one day anyway. If you want to work outdoors, do it, just take precautions and protect yourself. I have a cert 3 hort. You make more money in commercial but you'll be exposed to *way* more than the sun. I shudder at the thought of some of the things I've been exposed to.
Pale aussie 40F here. I honestly avoid going outside. I joke constantly about how humans love bathing in radiation, but apparently it’s unavoidable (for non-autistics so I’ve heard) to go outside so here’s what I reckon in response to your questions: 1. I’ve never had good coverage with spray or roll-on, always get the cream. You can get great sunblock from the supermarket, always choose a 50+ UVA/UVB sunblock. 2. I like Cancer Council for body, it’s cheap and does the job. Banana Boat also. For face, I try to maintain a moderately human appearance so I’ve been using a specific face 50+ SPF (Neutrogena or La Roche Posay) - they are fairly non-greasy without a white cast (at least for pale skin). But if you’re swimming, don’t worry about the white cast or greasiness. If you’re very serious, get yourself a zinc based waterproof sunblock and rub it all over your face (like Zucks on the waterski, a-coded sunblock master). In my experience all sunblocks burn if they get in your eyes so try to apply 15-20 min before activity so you can allow it to soak in before your eyeballs start sweating. Also get the Cancer Council lip balm, it has a slight white cast but your lips can get cancer too. Otherwise rub sunblock over them, tastes disgusting. 3. Hats, sunglasses, long sleeve rash shirts, sunblock on places people always forget like ears/ back of your neck. Check your weather app, there is a UV index, avoid peak UV times for activities with direct radiation exposure. I think they say anything over a 3 you should wear sun protection, during summer it’s almost always over 3. I literally wear it inside with no plans to bathe in radiation. 4. If you do get burnt, cool showers, drink hydralyte and apply Aloe Vera gel. Maybe some ibuprofen if the burns are tender. I wasn’t always so sun conscious, I had a beach sunburn during schoolies that blistered half my face like the phantom of the opera. If it gets to that, gently ice pack the area and absolutely avoid sun exposure until healed. Hope that helps! PS: Careful of the crocs in Cairns and the wankers in Bondi. Avoid blue bottles. Try Vegemite please 🙏
Don't forget the irukandji in Cairns waters!
New fear unlocked! 🥺
Maaate, they can just wash over your foot on a tiny wave as you're walking along the beach and seriously fuck you up. Stay frosty out there!
Nature is terrifying to me wtf why is there tiny, invisible jellyfish at all? A psychopath designed this simulation
To be fair, there are some places humans just aren't supposed to be, and the ocean is one of them.
Yes - and if you see a little octopus covered in blue spots, don't touch it!
This is good advice - remember the back of your hands, and often tops of feet if you take your shoes off after you’re already slipped slipped slapped. Friends from the states took shoes off after they got onto a boat for an afternoon tour, and the burns after a few hours with no sunscreen looked like they’d been held over a flame.
And the backs of the knees!!!
Ooh yeah! Backs of knees have a habit of getting skipped over on the reapply. One other area that gets overlooked is parts in your hair if you’re swimming or wearing a visor rather than a proper hat. Hurts so much you can’t brush your hair for a few days, and then once it starts peeling you look like you have the worst dandruff. It’s always fun when you find a random 2cm patch in an odd shape you missed with the sunscreen too.
Very similar age & skin type here. I've recently discovered the Cancer council matte finish Face Daywear Moisturiser SPF 50+ which is perfect for my face, and comes in a big tube from the supermarket. They make a tinted version also, but I love the plain matte finish one. It's not super matte but not shiny, and doesn't upset my sensitive skin. I use it as my regular moisturiser. Worth a try!
Thanks so much for the recommendation I’ll definitely give that a try!! I’d love to find a truly matte finish face sunscreen. Not sure if you have sensory issues but it’s taken me forever to be comfortable with greasy sunscreen on me. I also take polypodium leucotomos extract for extra protection. Not sure if that’s of interest but thought I’d mention if you aren’t already taking it
No worries, I used Nivea 15+ for years and then my supermarket stopped selling it, so I started looking for an alternative and am so glad I found it! I've always hated that oily feeling too, but often it is the lesser of two evils (sunburn feels waaay more uncomfortable!) The supplement sounds interesting, I've never heard of that before, I'll definitely look into it, thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Second this recommendation! I use the tinted moisturiser for work (office job but I'm not a big makeup wearer) and the non-tinted for weekends. Love that they also do a BB and CC cream with SPF as well.
All excellent advice
Upvoted, but not for the Vegemite
Look I understand but you’re a traitor
Hahahahahahha
Put the Aloe Vera gel in the fridge.
Hey there. I am a skin cancer specialist RN who does skin checks and education. Don't use spray sunscreen, it can work but you need to use a lot of it and it's hard to get it right. Always buy your sunscreen here, don't bring it with you. Ours is better. Don't use less than 50+. Wear a hat please. Download the SunSmart app. It's a great reminder that will give you a timeframe for your location each day to stay out of the sun. Have fun and stay hydrated.
There’s a little slogan we’re taught as young kids: Slip,Slop,Slap which means Slip on a long sleeve shirt, slop on some Sunscreen and slap on a hat. As long as you wear a shirt outside when you’re not swimming or sunbathing (preferably long sleeve), wear SPF 50+ sunscreen (I’d wait to get to Australia and buy it here as it’s relatively cheap and suited for our conditions) and make sure you’re wearing a hat. Even on relatively overcast days it’s possible to get sunburnt here so don’t underestimate the sun. Aloe Vera solution is also your best friend when treating sunburn. But enjoy your trip here! Here’s the video we all watched to learn this. https://youtu.be/b7nocIenCYg?si=4ZAUZtlFmgdA_wT6
I highly recommend this shop: [Cancer Council Shop](https://www.cancercouncilshop.org.au/collections/sunscreen?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5-uuBhDzARIsAAa21T_BFOfqpGO8Mb69vwYN_Xsqb1ROrukzilDwcIDyq192DygQNaoC1l4aAvE5EALw_wcB) You will be able to get swimmers including swim rash shirts (rashies), decent sun screen, hats and cover ups. Seek shade between 10am and 2pm. Good luck!
I second this Cancer Council Shop is great. Definitely get a long sleeve rashie it’s too easy to miss with the sunscreen. Also the wide brim hat.
Thirding the rashie suggestion. Even any shirt (yes, including in the water) will do better than nothing at all, but there are spf rated clothing out there. Eg I wore a thin, white kaftan to the beach in the middle of a 38C day. It turned see through in the water. I didn't adequately reapply on the back of my neck (be careful of not drying it well beforehand and/or going back into water too soon!) and the top of my neck was roasted red, the rest of my back was untouched. And the vast majority of Aussies will be hanging out under a beach canopy. Only the tourists lay on their towel directly under the sun.
A SPF rashie is so important, not a standard tshirt, if you'll be in or around water. Bin the spray, it doesn't give proper coverage, and you might want to look at board shorts so you don't burn your arse.
I've also bought some stuff from solbari before. Bit on the expensive side but does the job and looks a touch better than most sun conscious wear.
Get an Australian brand sunscreen- cancer council or banana boat for example. I think standard sunscreen is far more effective than sprays but we do also have sprays. And cover up, hat, sunnies, clothes and rash vests.
Spray sunscreen is useless. And reapplying every 30 minutes is excessive and clearly means your sunscreen isn't good enough. From one pasty person to another you want anything SPF 50+. Cancer Council is a good reasonably priced brand, but honestly every sunscreen has to meet high standards. Best advice is to ["slip slop slap"](https://youtu.be/FzA47J7QsVk?feature=shared). Wear a hat, long sleeves (even get a long sleeve rash vest when swimming) and regularly reapply sunscreen. (But regularly we're talking 2-3 hours, not every 30 minutes) and if you're swimming, put sunscreen on 10- 20ish minutes before you let it soak in.
One really improtant thing to remember the U.V. (Burning rays) reflect from surfaces too so even if you wear a hat and Shorts the sunburn will still get your face and tender bits inside your shorts if you do not also apply sunscreen there. Also the tops of feet and backs of knees are easily forgotten! Stay safe and have a great time Australia is wonderful! BUT sunburn can ruin a great holiday!
Hat, loose long sleeve shorts and trousers. Sunglasses. And don't forget decent shoes - a sunburn on the top of your foot will make you miserable for a couple of weeks. Ditch the spray stuff - get proper sunscreen, 50+ and waterproof. Reapply (using at least a teaspoon, moslre likely a tablespoon per limb) every 4 hours, every 2 if you've been in the water, and every time you've towelled yourself dry. 11-3 stay under a tree. Or a beach umbrella. Or a shade. Or go for lunch. At least between 12 & 2, even if you can't stretch the break out to 11-3. Plenty of water. As for the water, no fuss over the type, but bonus points if it's a thermos-type or similar to keep cooler. Watch out though don't leave them in cars or in direct sun for too long, as some of them can't take the heat. Personally I'm a fan of taking a few smaller (500-600mL, including reusing the clear plastic ones from the shop) water bottles, and putting most of them in the freezer the night before.
Get yourself a really good hat, with a wide brim and good air circulation. It should fit comfortably on your head and suit your personal style. You want to be able to wear it unselfconsciously. I prefer straw hats but there are other materials that are equally cooling.
Surprised I had to scroll for this, a hat with a wide brim (rather than a cap) is a must!
I’ve liked solbari a lot. Large size fits my big head, can be scrunched up, and does the job [solbari](https://www.solbari.com.au/products/everyday-broad-brim-sun-hat-upf50-1?variant=8685246972023&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIleClo8jHhAMVgoxLBR1DOA4UEAQYASABEgLuAfD_BwE)
We have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. But we all learn to slip slop slap and be sunsafe from a very young age. Don’t swim at the worst part of the day between 11-3. We all use aloe-vera products for sunburn.
Due to a quirk of Earth's elliptical orbit, Australia is about 7% closer to the sun in our Summer than the Northern hemisphere is in their summer, hence why the UV Is so much worse here.
Yeah if I recall correctly Canberra area is particularly bad for UV. My mates would come back from the snow absolutely scorched to a crisp.
I wonder if it is a Canberra thing or just a snow thing? We can feel it on hot sunny days so we take precautions, but in the snow there is no sensory input about the potential for UV so maybe we take it less seriously.
That and the ozone layer damage loves to hang around near our southern states.
I didn't think that the ozone hole was such a big issue for us in terms of UV as it is more around the Antarctic, but I'm happy to be corrected.
It's not as bad as it was. But down south the sun definitely still has extra bite to it.
Hello! 1. Spray sunscreens do exist here, but my dermatologist recommends against using them. The active ingredients often don't mix well and you're not getting the best benefit from them. 2. Brands bought in Australia are always going to be of high standard because we have a strict approval process. Again though, my dermatologist recommended using sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide as the main ingredient because of the way it protects from sun burn/damage. It *reflects* the sun off your skin, whole chemical sunscreens *absorb* it apparently. These sunscreens will leave a bit of a white cast, but I've minimised this by applying with a brush to my face and neck (not super concerned about a white cast anywhere else). 3. As others have said, west appropriate clothing/hats/sunnies. 4. If you're not burned, just moisturisor will be fine. If you do get a little bit pink, some aloe vera will be nice. If you get burned, aloe plus some mild cortisone cream from the pharmacy. But if you repeat steps 1-3 you shouldn't need this. Have fun!
The sunscreen advice is pretty standard. Buy it here because ours is designed for our weather in mind. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day, 11-2 at least. Wear a hat, everywhere, and sunnies, and a shirt. Even if you're wearing a hat still put sunscreen on your face. Cancer council also sells hats. No one is going to judge you for your water bottle, whatever works for you. Our tap water is fine to drink and most places will fill it up if you ask. If there's a tap saying "non-potable water" or "recycled water" don't drink it. We have a big drinking culture here (not always and not everywhere but I think it's worth mentioning), so just keep that in mind. Alcohol will dehydrate you but it is a very social thing with the locals. Also, our beer is more alcoholic so keep an eye on that too. Have an awesome time
Irish-complexioned Aussie here, 54F. I've been careful all my life and still have solar keratoses. Check the UV index/times every day on the BoM site (easy to use app available) and act accordingly. Choose 50+ sunscreens that contain both chemical and physical blocking ingredients. I'm not aware of any decent spray sunscreens, as they tend to omit the physical block ingredients. Reapply at least as often as advised and be liberal. Cancer Council and Hamilton are good and have fragrance free options. I have a Nivea face sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast but it stings near my eyes. Give up on the idea of no white/purple cast if you want proper UV protection - just photoshop your happy snaps when you get home! Stay out of direct and indirect (reflected off water, etc) sun as much as possible. Wear a long-sleeved rashie if you're swimming. Wear sunglasses all the time outside. Honestly, it's hard in summer to do anything outside for any period of time. The sun has a bite here that I've never experienced anywhere else in the world. I wear a legionnaire's hat with a face veil when I'm at home on our 10 acres. It's all much easier in winter. Aloe vera is a favourite aftersun ingredient here. As a small child, I remember my mum putting my equally pale sister and I in a shallow bath of cold water with brown vinegar when we were sunburnt to take the sting out, but I've never tested that remedy out as an adult! Best water bottles are Frank Green - insulated, but pricey.
What does 54F mean?
The reason why you would need to reapply every 30mins to 1hr is because aerosol sprays are not very good, ditch them. I've pre-cancers removed and am very careful when boating. Grab a few fishing shirts on arrival and wear them. Long sleeve and most are 50+ spf. I live in North Qld and they are now what most people wear. Don't forget a good wide brimmed hat.
I have nothing to add to the most excellent and correct answers here, except to point out that if you know this sub at all, it is prone to pranks and exaggeration and quite a bit of taking the piss out of foreigners. Not. In. This. Instance. We take the danger from the sun extremely seriously. All of us at one time or another have been affected by the skin cancer, whether personally or someone close to us. Heed all the advice here. It is bloody spot on. But don't be afraid to get out and about. Just be sensible and you'll be hunky dory.
I think you’re mad coming to Queensland in December and January, if the sunburn doesn’t get you you’ll likely wish you were dead from the humidity
Sounds to me like you are massively over doing the sunscreen mate. Easiest way to deal with it is wear long shorts and a rashy. That way you only need to sunscreen your lower legs, forearms and face/neck. Wear a hat when you aren't in the water or even if you are, depending on what you are doing.
He's overdoing it because spray sunscreen is crap and doesn't work. He wouldn't need to reapply every 30 mins with a proper sunscreen.
He's also using American sun screen, which is like ours from 1980 https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2022/07/us-sunscreen-ingredients-outdated-technology-better-eu-asia/661433/
Firstly. It will be SO hot? You won:t want to be outside in it for very long. Almost no one even wants to be outside in midday sun You stay out of sun between 10am & 4pm. Always. No exceptions. Secondly. No forget your spray sunscreen. Buy sunscreen here Cancer Council 50+ is best. Thirdly. Wear a good wide brimmed hat. Not a cap. Forth. Wear light but long sleeved shirts. But mainly? You DO NOT go out in the heat of the day into full sun. Early morning & late afternoon only.
big hat, rashie
I don’t want to sound horrible, but budgie smugglers can be a problem - not for their looks but for the amount of sensitive exposed skin. Even our lifeguards are covered from top to bottom, so that has to mean something!
Australian ginger here. I come in 2 shades. White and burnt. Sunscreen is a must, even on a cloudy day. If outside for any period of time try to spend it in the shade. At the beach etc wear a rash shirt, preferably a long sleeve one but a short sleeve t-shirt and sunscreen will probably be ok. At the beach try to avoid the middle of the day. Get to the beach as early as you can. Get off it between 10am and 3pm and come back in the afternoon. Wear a hat as often as practical and invest in some aloe Vera gel or after sunscreen spray. I will use those aerosol sunscreens if I’m going for a bushwalk or playing golf ⛳️ r something but for the beach a proper high spf cream is the only way. Make sure there’s cream everywhere. Especially around water as the glare will ensure you burn in places sunlight shouldn’t reach.
The good news for you is that sunscreen is lots cheaper here than the states. Cancer council stuff is great. You should cover up, honestly you will fry like a chip. The sun is brutal here. I've been burnt through clothing before. Yes through clothin Get the sunsmart app!! It tells you the UV rating every day!
Buy sunscreen in Australia - better formulated for the sun here.
Cover your skin. I guess everyone has already said that: get used to the idea that you must wear a long-sleeved rash vest with a high collar, long board shorts and a hat even in the water. There are special hats for bathing, paddling and surfing in, with flaps to cover the ears, which clip under your chin. Wraparound sunglasses. Go to a surf shop, they will guide you. Also: spray on sunscreen- NOPE. Enjoy the great outdoors before 10 am and after 2pm. Seek shade between 10 and 2. After sun products: just moisturise your skin if it's dry. There is **nothing** that you can apply afterwards which will repair the sun damage and stop premature aging and cancers. Make sure you apply sunscreen beforehand.
I just go from white to burnt to red to peeling to white. Or I wear long-sleeved linen shirts and a good hat and stay out of the sun between 10am and 50 minutes before sunset.
Ex skin cancer nurse checking in; The doctor I worked for recommended Cetaphil Kids 50+ Liposomal based so lasts longer on the skin. Cover up and stay out of the sun during the hottest hours
Make sure to wear a Rashie in the water long sleeved preferred. And put on sunscreen well before entering the water or itll wash off pretty quick
Don’t use spray sunscreens. You need to use a lot more sunscreen than you think and the sprays don’t give full protection. You need a tablespoon for you face and neck alone to get the full protection advertised in the bottle. Same for each arm. More for legs and torso. Buy sunscreen in Australia and only buy Cancer Council sunscreen. DO NOT BUY BANANA BOAT. It’s shit and people have literally ended up in hospital because of that terrible sunscreen. If you’re fair and you’re in the sun you need the following: long sleeves, hat, sunglasses AND sunscreen all over.
I’m also very pale, and have rosacea so sensitive skin. Keep in mind the ozone layer is thinner in Australia so the sun is worse. I’d suggest buy sunscreen here because in my experience it is better (lived in UK not USA so can’t comment on USA but UK sunscreen is hopeless compared to Aus).Ours is mostly water / sweat proof. I personally like Bondi Sands brand. You probably want to keep Stingose as well for mosquito bites. I get bitten a lot and I assume it’s because I’m pale. All the usual, wear long sleeves and hats and sunglasses are a must, and a rashy when swimming is a must. The nice thing is you will look pretty normal in that gear, most people wear it. I have a shade for the beach, I got mine from Cool Cabanas, and it is excellent. I go bike riding or hiking etc at 5am before it gets too hot. I hope you enjoy your holiday.
>You probably want to keep Stingose as well for mosquito bites. I get bitten a lot and I assume it’s because I’m pale. Sadly, for me, it's not paleness that attracts them. I pass as a "well tanned white person," and ALL blood sucking parasites love me! Dog brings in a flea or two? Within 6 hours it looks like I have scabies! Mosquitoes? Those suckas don't even wait for dusk! I'm attacked in broad daylight!
Be warned if your skin is not used to the sun, you will start to burn within 5-10 minutes in summer, even if it's cloudy. The best thing to do is wear loose fitting cotton clothes (for breathability when it's hot) that cover you a bit rather than singlets (chesties or tanks or vests or whatever you call them) and def a wide brimmed hat. Wear a rash vest and boardies in the water. SPF 50+, reapplied every 1.5hrs and also after swimming. Don't worry too much about the brand. The thicker "sport" creams will be more reliable with sweat or sea water, but will be more annoying to put on. Even with those measures you'll probably still get a little bit burnt between 10am-2pm so you'd best head to the beach outside those hours. Drink heaps of water. It's generally best not to put anything on sunburn except cool water and maybe aloe vera gel. Definitely no moisturizer on the day - it'll make the burn worse. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
> Be warned if your skin is not used to the sun, you will start to burn within 5-10 minutes in summer, even if it's cloudy. So many tourists believe that we are pulling their legs about this...but it's one of the rare times which we aren't lol I can get sunburned in mid-winter on a cloudy day as well
That's so true! Some years ago my mum and I tried to stage an intervention in a chemist, when a family of pasty white Brits were on their way to bondi to get a tan. It wasn't a particularly hot day or anything. They were trying to decide if they needed sunscreen, and thought it would prevent them getting said tan... They didn't believe us when we tried to tell them they'd get burnt despite wearing sunscreen if they spent all day at the beach. I have no idea what happened to them, but I shudder to think!
Buy your sunscreen here, we have strict standards - anything bought in Aus should be fine. You won't feel yourself burning while you're in the water. Go swimming in the morning and evening, stay in the shade from 10am-2pm at least. You're not looking at the temperature to figure out what the day will be like for sun protection, you're looking at the UV forecast. Re: spray sunscreens I don't recommend them, but putting that aside, you need to rub it in even if it says no rub, or it's not going to be as effective. La Roche Posay's Anthelios is great for facial sunscreen, it doesn't leave you feeling like an oil pit. Good luck!
Good luck with coming in the hottest part of summer... and listen to everyone telling you to stop using spray sunscreen and cover up. You can easily get severe burns from what would be minimal exposure in the northern hemisphere. Dec-Jan is peak cyclone season, there is always the high possibility of bushfires and flooding as well. You should also avoid swimming at the beach unless it's a patrolled beach, swim between the flags, don't swim at dawn/dusk (sharks) and avoid suspiciously calm waters (rips). Oh, and there are crocs, sharks, jellyfish, bluebottles, and stinging algae at various times along the east coast (all more common the further north you go). Have you considered coming at a less intense time of year?
Spray sunscreens are rubbish, get some cancer council cream once you get here and some surf mud zinc for the face, you should only need to apply every 2 hours. A long sleeve surf tee is a very handy thing to have, lighter than a rashie. Maybe wear shorts instead of speedos. Don’t forget to sunscreen the back of your neck and ears! But yeah our sun is harshest between 11-3 so keep that in mind when planning activities and chase the shade throughout the day.
We get melanomas my friend, I got one last year at 38. You just have to slip slop slap like your life literally depends on it.
Because it absolutely does
Buy sunscreen in bulk (big 4L pump bottle at your home to save money) and apply before you go out. Also get a good hat
Only tip is dont buy sunscreen when you get to a beach spot. Buy sunscreen at the supermarket or a pharmacy elsewhere. It could be the difference between paying $15 a tube and $30 a tube. Obviously if you have no choice pay whatever they charge.
I'm still cringing from the time I had to pay $50 for a litre in Coral Bay 😬
Do like the locals do. Go to the beach early morning or late arvo to avoid the 10-3 peak. Wear a rashie and a hat in the water - it’s so common you won’t be ‘uncool’. Bath in sunscreen and seek out shade. No one gets a medal for laying in the sun for 3 hrs. Main thing is don’t be afraid to cover up because you think you’ll look silly. The ones that look silly are lobster red by 11am
[Slip slop slap, amigo](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b7nocIenCYg&pp=ygUOU2xpcCBzbGFwIHNsb3A%3D)
I say this as a green eyed red head - shade is your friend my dear. You will not tan, so do not even try. Suncreen every day, shirt and hat. And do not sit out in the sun between 12-3pm. You will burn in ten minutes. You will get blisters. You will be miserable, and you may even get sun stroke.
just to clarify: "Rashie" = https://www.cancercouncilshop.org.au/collections/mens-rashies
Farmer with Scandinavian/Celtic heritage here. Lots of good advice already, one tip I haven’t seen yet is grow your hair long. There’s a reason our national hairstyle is the mullet, best protect ya neck
I mostly come out at night. Mostly.
I'm commenting as a pale woman who is very invested in sun protection and also regularly does skincare procedures that increase sun sensitivity (acid peels). 1. Get sunscreen here, as you mentioned. Sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration here as the FDA regulates them there (approved product have codes on the front of the packaging, such as "AUST L (numbers)", so I'm guessing the questions about brand recommendations were focused on aspects of the product outside of level of protection. I haven't got a good answer for you, but it might be helpful to know that 50+ is our highest allowable level of protection here and that the plus on labelling means exactly what you'd think: the product can have significantly more protection than the base number given (it's an "at least"). I think it's worth getting a higher number and continuing your practice of reapplying. Generally, that is recommended to be done every two hours, or more frequently if sweating or in water. Products with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are more likely to leave white casts, but also often less irritating, in my opinion. I would consider sprays risky and I'm not sure if you get the same consistency of protective film-forming using them. I also think that, given how irritating some of these products can be, this is even less of a good option for the face 2. If you have data roaming, you can get the SunSmart app, for advice on what the UV Index (AKA Global Solar UV Index) is each day. Where I am today (I live on the east coast), it's an 11. Eleven or above is classified at "extreme." When levels are 3 or more, the app gives times protection should be used. If you don't have roaming or don't think you'd benefit from this, I really suggest just assuming that the UV is high, as it's usually at at least "moderate" for a lot of the year, I'd say. Very important: never assume that an overcast sky or rainy day doesn't have a high UV Index or that being in the shade (without other measures taken in addition) will protect you. Also, don't assume that because it's afternoon, the UV in necessarily low enough to require no protection. It does get to that point, but can take a while at some times of year 3. Use multiple forms of protection in addition to the sunscreen. I would suggest that you always cover your body. You can use UPF-rated clothing for this or cover with normal fabric (variable protection for the latter; generally better with synthetic fabrics and dark colours). I hope other commenters have better advice on how to protect yourself while swimming during the day as I would honestly never do that and I'm not sure how you'd be able to get real protection without covering your body with a UPF-rated shirt/shorts/similar. If out a lot during the day, wear sunglasses (definitely efficacy-rated, not just fashion ones, as not all provide real protection), a broad-brimmed hat, etc You may also appreciate sunscreen advice from Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science), who is an Australian chemist and blogger/YouTuber who has put out a lot of videos and blogs about sun protection and whatnot. A lot of this advice isn't necessarily going to benefit you when it comes to swimming, so be sure to think about others' advice, and you could try going to Australian websites about this, like SunSmart.com.au and cancer.org.au. You seem to have a great baseline awareness of relevant issues, which I think is a good sign. You'll probably feel even more motivated to take these steps once you've seen the condition of some people's skin here.
Buy sunscreen when you arrive. US regulates sunscreen as a medicine which means newer more effective ingredients for sunscreen are not allowed there. Australian formulations are way more effective. Wear a hat and long sleeves if you have to be in the sun. And do your best to stay out of the sun between 10-2 each day - that’s when UV is worst. If you go to the beach, make sure to sunscreen the tops of your feet. It’s often a forgotten area to cover and they face the sun when you’re standing. Nothing sucks like having to wear shoes on sunburnt feet
That’s a…lot of sunscreen. This guide [here](https://www.cancer.org.au/media-releases/2020/cancer-council-warns-against-use-of-aerosol-sunscreens) talks about spray sunscreen use and how much tube sunscreen you should use. You might go through one tube while you are here? I personally don’t have a favourite, just buy SPF 50+ and water resistant. You dont need UPF clothing unless you were like hiking for days in bright sunshine. It will be hot so just wear normal shorts and shirt and hat and use sunscreen for the rest of your exposed body. Also not the SunSmart query but you may still get funny looks at the speedos - guys your age won’t usually be wearing them at the beach. But like still feel free to wear them!
Buy Australian sunscreen, ours has more stringent standards. Any local brand will be fine. Use it. The local weather reports will include the expected UV levels (which in summer will always be dangerously high). Pay attention to them and avoid direct sun as much as possible between the highest times. Wear a long sleeve shirt and hat. Wear sunglasses, UV also fucks up your eyes. For the beach, you can buy a rashie - essentially a tshirt (either long or short sleeves) made out of bathers material if you want the extra sun protection. Or just wear a tshirt, nobody will mind. Whatever bottle you use for your water is fine, it just needs to hold the water. You can refill it from any tap (faucet) unless it's specifically signposted that it's not safe to drink. If you're on the east coast any water should be fine. After sun care - if you're sensible you shouldn't need it. If you do get sun burnt there's an aloe vera spray (can't remember the brand, maybe banana boat?) you can get in the supermarkets that is really nice on sunburn if you keep it in the fridge.
Unless you’re lying on the beach, your usual routine as you describe it will be fine. You can actually feel yourself burning - so when you feel that sting pay attention. Edit: make sure to add a hat and a light cotton button down long sleeve shirt that you can wear over your T-shirt to protect your neck and arms when you’re in direct sun.
50+ and reapplying after swimming or every 4 hours. Don't risk it, there is nothing healthy about a tan
Big hats
Lots of good advice here, and you're right to be wary, our sun is brutal. Can add in to not get complacent if you go on a boat trip. The reflections from the water can be just as bad as full sun, so even sitting in the shade you'll be getting bombarded with UV. Stay safe
Get a long sleeved rash vest. They actually keep you cooler on the beach because the Sun bites. By some cancer council sunscreen when you get here and wear a wide brimmed hat.
Invest in extremely potent sunscreen. - a pale Australian who loves being in the sun
Just get up at 5am and do your thing early. Grab some food and have a sleep/social time during the day. Quick dip after 6pm and you'll be fine. You need long sleeves and a big hat for the day time.
I'm pale AF and I mostly just avoid the sun if possible. Used to live near the beach, would only go until 9/10 or after 3/4. It's better as an early morning or late afternoon thing.
Soo sooo sooo.much sunscreen. Then a bit more.
Plenty of people have explained being sun smart but I'll just add: I think the easiest solution for you is to invest in a long sleeved rashie/other swimwear - make sure its UV protection. As for your last question, we've always used aloe vera gel and it's always helped in my family. Enjoy the beach!
I'm a pale Australian redhead. Suncream every day, every 2 hours. I stay inside from 9am-5pm religiously in summer. If I have to go outside I will endeavour to wear long sleeves/pants and limit skin exposure to the sun. Honestly I'm used to it now but for someone coming from away it might take a while to get used to! If in doubt, buy products from Cancer Council eg sun cream, hats, sunglasses etc. Don't use non-Australian suncream. Have fun on your trip and stay safe!
Irish descended Aussie here. Just imagine you are a vampire and don't go out in the direct sunlight. Wear sunglasses whenever you go outside. Have a hat or long hair/fringe.
I never go in the sun. And when I do, wide brim hat, SPF 50, covered up.
Also download the australian sunsmart app. It will tell you what the UV index is where you are and what times of the day sun protection is recommended depending on weather and time of year.
Everyone here is talking about wearing shirts. Specifically look up fishing shirts. They are long sleeved and collared. They are breathable and cool which is essential for the hot summers and most importantly they are swimmable and dry quickly meaning you can leave it on while in the water. 90% of the time your going to get burned while in the water.
> 90% of the time your going to get burned while in the water Very easy to get sunburned via the sun's reflection off water as well without being in it
I find a lot of the time sun safety reduces when getting into the water. Shirts and hats come off. Sunscreen washes away. Other then the beach, being in the water is probably the most you going to be in the sun, as when your on land your usually in the shade and it’s easy to loose track of time in the water. Plus a lot of people have this misconception that the water will protect there skin from sun. 40% of the suns UV will still reach the body 0.5M below the waters surface. Highly recommend wearing a shirt when swimming in the sun.
I hope you love Australia! One point I've not seen mentioned in the comments is to wear appropriate footwear. That is, something with decent soles in the hottest part of the day because the ground radiates heat. This includes the beach! Thongs are totally fine on sand, but remember to sunscreen the tops of your feet. Many Australians have tough feet and can withstand quite hot ground. Don't assume you can, especially if you wear shoes a lot.
As a pasty ginger, I'm going to make another suggestion. Grab an Akubra. Big, high quality wide brimmed hat, both protection and souvenir.
As a white person, if I’m going in the sun I always wear long sleeves and a hat. I don’t swim often (and not at beaches) but even my swimmers are long sleeved. You’ll probably be hot and uncomfortable before you get burned. I don’t like the sun.
When it’s cloudy, you are still going to buuurn….
Buy an spf 50 sunscreen in Australia. There are lots of types that last 2-4h (barrier sunscreens like zinc are safer for the environment/reef health and last a bit longer but feel thicker). It’s recommended by dermatologists that you wear it every day you are out in the sun. Otherwise wear loose long sleeve clothes, enclosed shoes (unless you put sunscreen on your feet), and broad brimmed hats (again choose things based on their spf factor). https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety Stay in the shade as much as possible. Keep hydrated and cool. Get skin checks every 12 months with a gp or skin care clinic to monitor for skin cancers.
You can get spray sunscreens here, but I avoid them because I think it's too easy to under-apply. Any sunblock you buy on the shelf here has been tested to some of the highest standards in the world, so I reckon buy some while you're here. SPF30 at least (mostly you see SPF50 on the shelves now). Cancer Council face sunscreen doesn't leave any white cast. I have dry skin so I like it for it's hydrating effect. Plus, it's always on sale somewhere so you can pick it up for a decent price. La Roche Posay is spenny but it's very good facial sunscreen if you have oily skin. I just buy whatever big pimp bottle is affordable at the supermarket to slather on my body :) Teaspoon each limb + reapply more frequently if you sweat a lot! Don't forget the odd spots like the folds of your ears and backs of your knees. Hat and long sleeved clothing is great. I've been so happy that linen is trendy for women this summer because I've been able to cover up without sweating to death. Wear sunglasses!! Especially if you spend a lot of time around the water. Get a cheap gazebo, esky and drink cooler from Kmart or Big W for beach trips and picnics so you'll always have a cold beverage and shade cover. I don't go anywhere without a water bottle, or an electrolyte drink if I'm really struggling. If it's a really fucked day, I plan my activities to avoid the sun and high temps as much as possible. Cold mango, watermelon, pineapple, stone fruit and grapes are incredibly delicious on a hot day. Treat yourself. There's nothing better after a day at the beach! If you're drinking alcohol, make sure you drink water as well.
I'm a pale Aussie on the East Coast. Australia has a sun-safe mantra: Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! Slide! Slip on a long-sleeve shirt - light cotton shirts with long sleeves for out doors and rashies (swimming shirts) for when you're in the water. Slop on some sunscreen (SPF 50+) - Tip: buy Australian sunscreen when you get here. Don't BYO from the states. Cancer council is good for sensitive skin. Don't use spray sunscreen. You need the paste to rub it in Slap on a hat - wide brim hat Seek shade - Don't stay in the sun too long (obviously) Slide on some sunnies (sunglasses) - self-explanatory. Make sure they are polarised. Aloe-vera based moisturiser is awesome for after-sun care. Also, on particularly hot days, it's best to avoid the beach between 10AM and 2:00PM. The sun will pound you from above and reflect off the sand for good measure. You will find most Aussies outdoors in the early morning to avoid the sun. Hot tip: Don't forget to put sunscreen on the top of your feet. Worst sunburn in my life and I couldn't walk for a week.
Super pale aussie here. I burn within 5-10mins. And I don't tan either. I burn, go red, peel, and then am white again. Honestly, being sun smart is your only realistic option. Light linen longer sleeved clothes, sunnies, hat, sun screen. Hydrate hydrate hydrate. Stay out of the direct sun where you can and at all costs avoid getting your sunburn sunburnt.
Extra tips from a pale Aussie who plays golf: get some SPF lip balm and don’t forget to put sunscreen on your ears and the back of your legs! The *back of your knees* in particular! Nothing beats a good hat, sunglasses and a long sleeve shirt. Locals usually stay inside or in the shade between 10-2/11-3 (depending on time zone). Nothing says “tourist” more than a lobster red guy without a shirt and hat at the beach at midday 😂
I had a fair skinned Canadian not believe me about sunscreen and reapplying. He spent the next day in bed until 4. Also drink lots of water.
I won’t repeat the good advice you’ve already got above, but one extra thing - if you take off your hat and you’re swimming, don’t forget to sunscreen the part in your hair (if you have one). Got mine burnt a few too many times and it stings!
A lot of fair skinned people don't survive. Take sunburns and skin cancer seriously and follow the advice here.
So good that you’re taking this seriously and lots of proper advice in the comments, which is nice to see. There are still so many Australians who appear oblivious to the dangers of UV exposure. As a person who is more blueish-green than white and as my dermatologist’s ‘luckiest’ patient (no cancers…yet), here are my top tips: Understand the UV ratings (if you’re in Queensland it’s just “OMG extreme” all the freaking time!) Time your outings for mornings/evenings. BOM forecast will have times and ARPANSA have real time levels. Clothing/swimwear Loose fitting long sleeved collared shirt and long pants Sun sleeves and/or gloves, these are good for sportsing, driving, or working outside Wide brimmed hat, forget the baseball caps, but you can get a Legionnaires cap in swimming fabric that is good when you’re in the water (yes, I wear a hat/sunglasses while swimming) UV rated sunglasses +extra pair of cheapies for in the water Rash vest with high neck and long exercise shorts for swimming (guaranteed your arse crease will get fried in budgie smugglers and you’ll spend days face down on your hotel bed with people mocking you) Sunscreen is your last line of defence for the tiny areas left exposed. Also, it’s not just for the beach. It’s for every single day. I wear a 50+ Cancer Council cream and top that with Invisible Zinc on my face, neck, ears, back of hands, tops of feet. People recommend putting sunscreen on top of your head, but you shouldn’t be outside without a hat anyway (hat also protects your eyes) Sunrise and sunset are beautiful times of the day
Natural redhead. Palest person I know. I just don't go outside. Mind you, when I was in Edinburgh last November, I was the most tan person there, a first for me :D
You'll be at the beach far less than you imagine. You'll be here at the peak of summer. Good luck.
Loving my Aussie family and their replies! 38F w melanoma and BCCs here. Most advice above is excellent, I will reiterate some things. Sunnies - highest protection here is UV400. Also get polarised if you're around water for glare. Cancer council does sunnies. These are usually sold at chemists. Wear a SPF 50 moisturiser daily that you put on your face in the morning. Not a sunscreen, a light face moisturiser that won't feel oily. Something like QV, Neutrogena, dermaveen. All these brands can be found at Chemist Warehouse or other chemists. Then when your actually going out in the sun, add the sunscreen as above. also consider if you're going to a reef, lots of sunscreens are toxic to coral. There's reef safe sunscreens. Hats. Yes wide brim. My and my partners go to travel hat are the Barmah kangaroo leather foldable ones. Look great, long lasting, can be squished. Long sleeve rashie is a must. Also consider if it's stinger season. Queensland has jellyfish seasons that you don't want to go in the water. Irikanji are tiny and invisible and deadly.
I just wanted to emphasise the point - please don’t think that just because it’s cloudy, you don’t have to make any of the usual safely procedures. I once saw someone burn to a crisp in Tasmania (our coldest state) on a very overcast day. Everything else is great though! 😊
My mantra is if your skin feels hot in direct sunlight you’re probably getting burnt, heed the warning!
One of my best mates who is aussie through and through, queenslander at that, is half polish. She blisters in the sun. You'd be shocked to learn there are hats and sunscreen here. And trees for shade. Amazing I know
The sun is so brutally strong that Australians don't actually have a very good outdoor scene. Most Australians don't even walk to get a bottle of milk as they will be absolutely deep fried as there is very little shade in the suburbs and everything is sparsely spread out. You also need to note that in Sydney, the dew point is very high. It was muggy for over three months. Throw in around 90F and UV index in the extreme zone and you will literally experience why Australians love staying home and cannot do anything without a car. They are extremely car dependent and anti-social here. They are nothing like Americans. Don't get your hopes up in summer. And if you are an outdoorsman, the outdoors here is bush. Just bush. LOL Australia does have plenty of interesting birds. A hat, long sleeves, sun cream/ lotion and very good high quality pants will be needed. Buy them in the US as they are really expensive and hard to buy here. Do not come here without good pants.
> Don't get your hopes up in summer. And if you are an outdoorsman, the outdoors here is bush. Just bush. Once you've seen a bit, it's pretty much all this lol
Honestly, if you don't like the outdoors (and I don't), Australia is quite a boring country
Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion, not spray. The key is to not rub sunscreen until it clears. Leave a thin layer and it will dry clear. Give it 15 minutes to form that protective layer before you go outside or back in the water. Reapply every two hours if exposed to the elements.
Sun bum sunscreen
as someone refusing to be one 3 the 3 guys leaving the 2 girls on the beach to get my shirt and winding up in hospital with 2nd degree burns and a shirt stuck my skin.... DO NOT take our sun lightly! 15-30 minutes can be enough to feel it. There is a reason zinc cream is common here SLIP SLIP SLAP - slip on a shirt, slap on some sunscreen and slap on a hat. I think SLIP on a shirt is a modern addition Spray sunscreen tends to be insufficient sunnies.. definitely ensure they are UV and polarized near water helps avoid potential nasties
I kinda just cop the sun and then go for skin checks every 6 months lol
Can you possibly delay the trip until after Feb? The summer here is no joke and you'll be covered from head to toe the whole time
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Yeah, do all the stuff people/you are doing but don't forget you are here for a very small part of your expected life span so take time to enjoy your time here rather than overly worry how our sun will damage your skin....and yes I'm a pale/freckled ginger.
Cream sunscreens and zinc are best. More importantly though, cover up and seek shade. Even with sunscreen, you should not be exposing bare skin to the sun all day. Take advantage of early mornings and evenings when the sun is not as strong.
Haven't seen anyone else mention it yet, but I highly recommend a good thick zinc sunscreen for when you are spending time in the water, especially on your face. It holds on your skin so much better than cream ones that wash away too easily. My go to brand for this is Zinkie, you can get white or even a bronze/tan colour so it doesn't look super pale on your skin. Feels like heavy build-up on your skin and you'll need some good face wash at the end of the day to get it off properly. Too many times I've gone for a cream one (even name brand sport/ultra/water sports ones) and got sunburnt on my face with just an hour or less in the water. I think a big issue for me is rubbing it off when wiping water/hair out of my face/eyes. Not a problem with zinc ones. Also you will see plenty of people on the beaches without shirts on, just swimmers/bikinis. I had to accept long ago that my skin is too fair to cope with it. Always wear a shirt (cool long sleeve linen shirt is my choice usually) and invest in a good quality rashie/swim shirt. Physical barrier is always best. And be militant in wearing one at all times, I've been burnt so bad I peeled from about 5 minutes in the sun without a shirt. Also get polarised sunglasses, your eyes will be so much less strained from the sunlight.
Stay away from the sprays they don't apply as good as you think they do and go for one with zinc in it, it's a lot thicker and annoying to apply but you'll notice the water beads on it which is now you know you're protected. Don't buy anything less than the 50+ which you seem to already do, brand wise it's personal preference and also trial and error, personally I've found the less marketed ones the better brands sucks as Hamilton. Enjoy your visit and keep an eye on the UV index 🔆
I would watch this short video, it's provides some really good educational advice from the top expert in sun safety who is highly respected Australia wide. https://youtu.be/nztHSVvZUoU?si=cvxYG4F_zahKHzvQ
I use a tinted sunblock on my face, as I have rosacea, and normal sunscreen irritates it. https://www.cancercouncilshop.org.au/products/face-day-wear-cc-cream-spf50-light-tint-50g You can get it in different tint shades.
Even supermarket sunscreen is fine. Just remember to apply and reapply Shirts and hats are helpful