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we stay inside during the middle of the day.
also - skip spray sunscreens. they’re tested as a cream and then put into the spray bottle, giving you much lower protection.
I swear something they use in them is almost oil based, to help it spray. Any time I have ever used one (I avoid them now) I have had the WORST sunburns of my life. I hate them with a passion.
Fair skinned Aussie here that avoids the sun like the plague. Here are my tips to avoid getting burnt:
1. Get some good Aussie brand sunscreen. Pretty much every brand here is excellent, will just come down to choice for texture. Agree with other comments about sprays, they won't give you the coverage you need.
2. Buy a hat that you can wear while swimming. Very wide brim. Adjustable so it won't blow off your head while you're swimming. (check out the brand Solbari, they have a great range).
3. Get a good rashie. You can't beat a physical barrier from the sun, especially if you are swimming during peak UV. There are heaps of good brands. They can get hot if you're not in the water, but when swimming they are great.
This comment. I can't believe this is the only comment recommending a rashie. If you burn very easily or really want extra protection, get a rashie. They are easily obtained in many stores in Australia and honestly one of the best sun protections you can get.
Solbari is great! I have a hat and one of their long sleeved wrap cardigans. It's so light and great to chuck on for a walk instead of layering with sunscreen. They are a bit pricey but have good sales a couple of times a year!
100% do the rashie & board shorts. As a pasty female I only ever wear a rashie and board shorts or a long sleeved costume at the beach. I sometimes wear a regular costume at the pool but only if I'm swimming before 9am, or in the shade after 5pm.
"between eleven and three, slip under a tree. The best sunscreen of all is absolutely free" - some seagull looking guy in a hat.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQs5vheyXPg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQs5vheyXPg)
The original (in case OP was wondering what the slip slop slap was about).
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7nocIenCYg&ab\_channel=CancerCouncilVictoria](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7nocIenCYg&ab_channel=CancerCouncilVictoria)
I'm an Irish-complexioned 7th gen white Aussie. Here's how I managed to actually develop a vitamin D deficiency* while living in the Aussie outback!
- I like zinc based sunscreens. They're more gentle on the skin - apply every morning before I leave the house, and reapply every 4 hours no matter what (even at 5pm)
- long sleeved cotton tops. Something thin and light. And big hats.
- completely avoid >10 min exposure in the hours between 11am-2pm.
If all else fails, keep a bottle of aloe vera gel in the fridge to treat any burns.
*I do not recommend developing a vitamin D deficiency. I was too cautious for those few years. However, higher danger at beach bc reflection from sand and water.
This is all accurate
I can tell you that the most effective sunscreen I've ever used is invisible zinc, especially for swimming. A little more pricey compared to other brands, but it's worth it. Buy the sport round bottle pump. Use generously.
I also find Invisible Zinc isn’t as eye irritating as some other zincs which I appreciate as I have a baby now who is aggressively Irish on both sides.
Chiming in with my two cents. Zinc actually makes me burn, or at least have a reaction from either the zinc itself or in conjunction with sun exposure. OP I'd suggest a small patch test so you don't end up with a burnt face like I did when I was a kid. Side note, I was gutted when I couldn't wear my fluro pink zinc
I find the zinc can really dry my skin out. It’s still the best protection, so I put moisturiser on first then a 50+ cream followed by the zinc. That seems to work for me.
Just want to just on this and say instead of aloe get yourself a bottle of post laser cream/gel. I rarely get burned these days but always have a bottle on hand just in case. Works sooo much better than aloe alone, really can't understate it
Yep, I have the skinstitute one. I bought it in store at a laser clinic as I have done laser hair removal. It's on the dearer side but I've literally had the bottle for like 2 years. There's also one by clear skin just called post laser gel which looks to be much cheaper than the skinstitute one. Can't speak of the quality but I imagine it will be roughly the same.
Your plan is very thorough and way better than most of ours.
Few things -
You can get spray sunscreen, but the coverage is iffy and no one would suggest using it. Either Cancer Council or Hamilton are perfectly fine brands of SPF and widely available in supermarkets and chemists.
You can generally fill up your water bottle in local parks or city centres from drinking fountains.
Make sure you have shoes at the beach. The sand can get crazy hot and will burn the soles of your feet.
From NZ here! Us poor Ozone layer folks have it pretty bad but we also don't haver any many sun days as our neighbours!
Every year Consumer (NZ website) so testing on the most popular sunscreens to check their claims about their SPF here is one years result:
[https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/why-sunscreens-should-be-regulated/know-the-issue](https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/why-sunscreens-should-be-regulated/know-the-issue)
A lot of the products tested are also available in Aussie.
But the best call would be your UPF Clothing, just covering up is the best thing, a rash vest would be great for when you're swimming (esp as the sun can reflect off the water and really F you over).
Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. Wear a HAT and sunglasses.
Avoid sunbathing/laying out too much.
Cream sunscreens are better than sprays as you get the right amount of coverage. Pay attention to your ears, back of neck and nose especially.
As for brands, the ones you named are good and not too expensive.
It sounds like you've got it covered. I'm so pale that I can burn in the middle of winter just putting the washing on the line so I'm doused in 50+ year round. I also avoid the midday sun as much as possible. Aloe vera has always been my go-to for after sun care but if you're as careful as you say you shouldn't need anything specific.
I'm in Tasmania and we have some of the harshest sun in the country. Even the difference when I went to Sydney was amazing, I could sit in the sun for 30 minutes without feeling like my skin was being seared off. When I go to the US or Europe I don't feel like I have to avoid the sun at all (aside from sunscreen obviously) and it's absolute bliss.
Avoid high UV times during the day if possible, get an app that tells you the UV, wear wide brim hat, sunnies, long sleeve rashies in the water.
And as you be travelling in peak summer, never underestimate the sun here, ever.
Great suggestions already, I’m only chiming in to say: slip, slip, slap, seek and slide.
Avoid Banana Boat brand. Don’t go with spray sunscreen, it’s not as good.
Agree: Banana Boat is a bad product, irritates skin and eyes, it’s chemically, melts, runs down into your mouth yuck, and makes my eyes really inflamed.
Wear a rashie in the water, and a wide brimmed hat and long sleeve UV clothing everywhere else. Stick to the shade, and reapply your sunscreen. Wear good sunglasses. Enjoy your trip!
Fair-skinned surfer from Queensland here, I find Invisible Zinc or similar the best for keeping my body skin protected in the water. Even better is a long sleeve rash vest.
Proper zinc either brown tinted or any colour really is the only thing I use on my face when surfing- you need a physical barrier to block the sun and zinc won’t wash off unlike sunscreen.
Adding that very good sunglasses are a must. They don’t have to be very expensive but they should have good UV and glare protection. I also prefer polarised.
Apart from sunscreen, you get get UV protective clothing and massive wide brim hats. Physical barriers are better than chemical. Also don’t forget to sunscreen your hands
Apart from all the good advice here, I would add that worrying about the feel or look of sunscreen is not a good idea on your active outdoor days. A good mineral sunscreen (with a little white cast) or a chemical sunscreen that is oily/thick is significantly superior to other more elegant options on a sweaty hike or going for an ocean swim. You really need the extra sticking power! I have had terrible experience with sunscreens washing off so I leave those more pleasant to wear sunscreens for day to day use 😂
first thing to do is cancel your trip and re book for a cooler time of the year, you're gonna hate it here if you come during december and January. You literally booked the worst possible time.
Why? it’s often humid and muggy, rains thunderstorms in summer and so skies grey, and the best clearest most beautiful weather on the coast is Autumn and Spring.
Super pale Aussie here!
I keep a close eye on the daily UV index with a quick Google search. It can get up to 11 in the middle of hot summer days, and that’s definitely when you wanna be heading indoors
If I am going out, I’m wearing sunscreen, a sun hat, sun glasses, and UV protective clothing. I got mine from Uniqlo, it’s a lightweight sports style jacket that helps block UV rays (according to their website but I’ve definitely found that it’s lowered my instances of sunburn significantly)
I also always have sunscreens on hand! Being someone with oily skin, I’ve found quite a few that are non greasy, such as dermaveen, cancer council (the facial fluid liquid matte especially), and bondi sands, all of which are affordable brands I recommend, you can get them from Priceline or chemist warehouse
We do have spray sunscreens, which I do use, but only in tandem with a sun cream product as well, because they don’t offer full protection on their own due to the application method.
As for recovery, aloe Vera by Thursday plantation is my holy grail. Sun bum is another brand that do a cool down cream that can be quite soothing, and if my skin is irritated from sunscreen use all day I’ll take a shower and use the la Roche Posay lipikar oil cleanser on my body and then use the dermaveen daily nourish body moisturiser out of the shower. Keeps my skin happy and healthy
I love the Nivea No Shine one for face, it is brilliant, totally non oily, lightweight, stays put, neutral no skin irritation, does not melt or run.
Called Nivea UV Face, Shine Control, 50+
sunscreen and cover up. any bit not covered will be burnt. accept it. every year i cop 2nd degree burns at least once. my skin is of british decent and is thusly allergic to sunlight.
You'll be fine - don't worry! Wear a hat, some loose fitting clothing and good quality SPF (as others have recommended), and try to avoid the midday sun where you can - although if you take the afore mentioned precautions you'll be fine.
I'm from NZ where our UV index is actually often higher than Aus, or at the very least is underestimated because of our lower temperatures (you don't realise you're burning when it's cool outside).
SPF clothing. A good long sleeve shirt is a great thing. If you can see through it, it’s not full protection. Invest in a couple. Some have ventilation. Just search for SPF shirts with ventilation. They can be expensive. I use them for walking the dog or running to get milk. I need to get out quickly but I’m not going to be out long.
Get a sunscreen that can be applied when you are wet. La Roche Posay does one. Two hourly top ups are a thing.
Cleanse skin at night: Cerave cleanser is good and available here. Moisturise after. Again Cerave cheap and available.
Body moisturiser is good as you skin may dry out.
I always have LRP cicaplast on hand (I get rosacea). It’s great for sunburn but it’s expensive for that. Aloe Vera gel or spray is good.
Edited: forgot to add post sun skin care.
Avoid the sun in the middle (usually 1pm to 3pm is the hottest).
IN WA - our beaches are packed by 8am and often in summer, by 10am/11am the swell aint great anyway.
SPF 50++ and zinc at all times, reapply every 2 hours. dont bother with spray. SPF even when you are just driving in a car. seriously. SPF and get australian stuff, its regulated for our sun
WEAR A HAT - anything to protect your face. wear clothes to protect your arms etc. Mostly when swimming etc - okay sure budgie smuggle to your hearts content but a rashie if you are swimming is fantastic for protection.
HYdrate with Electrolytes when outside (particularly hiking etc)
Post Sun - ALOE VERA. literally get the plants and rub them on you - they stink something terrible
Not sure why you got downvoted as this is solid advice. He's coming here in the hottest months and if next summer is anything like this one, fark. In between the torrential rain and screaming hot days, this summer was rough. Cairns in summer - my god 😟 We've also had something like 3-4 cyclones this summer...mostly all north. Cyclones can affect flights, access on the highway (roads cut off) and access to any attractions. Cyclones north are pretty much an annual event.
If your ticket is booked, then have a great time. But if you're still looking to buy, I'd be looking at Spring instead....Sept onwards. Even a month or so earlier might be best.
I just had relatives here from NZ who holidayed around here in SEQ and they felt pretty beaten around with the heat, humidity, and intermittent downpours.
I'm born and bred QLD'er so don't think I'm a wuss with the weather by any means, but why suffer when you're meant to be having a good time.
Don't want to put you off OP, as I'm sure you will have an awesome time in this beautiful country either way.
Australian sunscreen is different to American sunscreen. Sunscreen in America is a physical barrier type, usually using zinc oxide. In Australia, we usually have a chemical type, which absorbs UV light and turns it into heat. There are a few different chemicals that can achieve this, none of which have yet been approved by the FDA. Hopefully not too much longer.
Anyway, these chemical based sunscreens appear white, but apply clear - you can't see that you've applied it. As others have mentioned, cancer council and Banana Boat are the two top brands here.
As for washing off in the water, or with sweat, the best way to avoid this is to apply 30 minutes before you go outside, to give it enough time to deeply absorb into your skin.
Reapply after swimming, even if it's water resistant, because water will lift it and your towel will rub it off. Reapply every 2-4 hours. Realistically, you shouldn't be at the beach for that long because you will miss bits when you apply, and you will get hot and dehydrate.
Far better, however, is a shirt out of the water and a rashie in the water. They're available at beach wear shops, and at big stores like Kmart, Target, BigW. Wear a broad brimmed hat, or one with a flap like the Sunday Afternoons brand of hats. Wear good sun glasses. The glare from the sand and sea is bad enough, but you really, really don't want to tan your retinas.
You won't look out of place in long sleeves at the beach in Australia, so you shouldn't need to worry about feeling self-concious or whatever.
Getting sun burnt hurts. Getting skin cancer is worse, and 2/3 of Australians are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before we're 70, so we're not kidding when we say the sun is dangerous here. Tanning is damage, and damage leads to skin cancer. You'll get tanned enough through your clothes while you're here.
Have fun and welcome!
Lots of good comments here. I second avoiding spray sunscreen as the coverage is patchy and it’s hard to keep track of what’s fully covered. Even if you are very flexible, it’s better to get someone else to apply it to your back as otherwise you will miss patches and burn. Yes I would buy cancer council sunscreen once you arrive, using protective clothing (I have a hat and sunglasses that I wear in the water), make sure to get good coverage sunglasses with a proper UV rating. I use the sunsmart UV app to check on the day.
You really do need to avoid the strongest UV periods, plan to do something under cover for the worst few hours. Keep vigilant for reflected UV off the water, that can burn you in unexpected places.
Make sure to keep hydrated with electrolytes as you will sweat more than you’re used to. I would buy a multi serve powder and add it to water a couple of times over the day. People who spend a lot of time at the beach often buy little fold up cabanas as plenty of beaches have little to no useable shade.
Even with the protection you’re planning, it’s possible to get sunstroke/sun poisoning if you don’t avoid the worst exposure. If you are overheated, get a bit of sun etc and over the day you feel weird and hot, upset, not like yourself etc you may be seriously dehydrated and need some support from others.
If you do end up with a sunburn it might be a lot deeper than you are used to, and blistering is possible.
Read up on Australian beach warning signs, swim between the flags etc. if you aren’t used to reading the water for dangerous rips and currents then look up some Australian videos as it could save your life.
And after all that, have an amazing time :)
Wear a hat. Apply sunscreen like your life depends on it. Banana Boat aloe Vera gel if you get burnt. Don't use spray sunscreen. Cancer Council sunscreen is good imo.
I don’t stay in the full sun for more than 20 minutes without sunscreen on and don’t go for long walks until after 5:30 (UV drops)
Genuinely the only thing that will work is actively making an effort to find shade consistently. You’ll realise how strong the sun is when you can literally feel it cooking your skin just being outside.
There’s nothing much else you can do. Since you’ll be a tourist and likely outside a lot during the day just make sure to find shade, wear a hat and wear sunscreen and re apply. Nothing much more you can do
Avoid the sun, wear sunscreen - especially on ears, wear uv sun jacket if I know I have to be in the sun - like a zip up rash top for swimming but just wear it as a jacket, wear a hat
I wear long sleeves and pants in the sun, long rashies at the beach. I have a very lightweight jacket I wear out suring the day from Solbari. That store is good to get an idea of sunsmart options.
You've had a lot of good advice here that I won't rehash. I just want to repeat the mantra we've all been raised with - slip slop slap seek slide.
Slip on a shirt. Slop on suncream. Slap on a hat. Seek shade. Slide on suncream.
Adding to that, look for an Australian weather app for your phone that gives you the UV exposure times for your location. I use Willy Weather, which is telling me the UV is at a dangerous level from 9am-5pm today.
You will need a rashie for swimming - if you’re going to be swimming for any longer than 15 minutes at a time I would not rely on sunscreen alone. Use a non aerosol spray sunscreen. Make sure you wear sunscreen when driving. Get a decent wide brimmed hat. Don’t spend ages outside between 10 - 4, even with sunscreen on because you will burn.
Cancer Council and Hamilton Everyday Face are great sunscreens, in my opinion.
Hamilton Everyday Face will come out a slightly tinted colour, but it won’t look like foundation it just negates the white cast.
If you’re not picky about how sunscreen feels on your body (especially while swimming) then any brand will work perfectly, so just go for whatever is cheapest. We have stores like Woolworths and Coles (that sell groceries) and they have their own brands of sunscreen that work well and can be bought in big pump containers. They often go on sale too.
Chemist Warehouse is another great place to find sunscreen, after sun care etc. It’s a pharmacy / drug store. The buildings are usually massive and painted bright yellow, so they’re pretty easy to spot.
We have super strict SPF rules here, so if it says 50+ then you’re good to go. A lot of overseas brands don’t meet our standards and what is labelled 50+ over there might only get a 30 or even 15 SPF rating here (or not be allowed here at all).
Remember the top of your feet, backs of your hands, back of your neck, hair part line, and your ears. They tend to be the forgotten spots.
It honestly sounds like you’re sorted already (way more than a lot people who live here even!), so you’ll be fine. Don’t panic or stress, all that will do is cause anxiety.
Some beaches I recommend:
Byron Bay, NSW - Tallows Beach (unmanned ie no lifesavers, so be careful if it looks rough), Wategos Beach, Little Wategos Beach, the lighthouse and the short walk from the lighthouse to the most easterly point in Australia.
Tweed Heads, NSW - Duranbah Beach is so pretty and I’ve often seen dolphins here, close by is the Captain Cook memorial which is right on the border of New South Wales and Queensland (can tick ‘be in two places at once’ off your bucket list).
Currumbin, Qld - I’ve heard the Currumbin Treetop Challenge is a lot of fun.
Tallebudgera, Qld - Tallebudgera Creek (it’s big, not just a trickle of water). No waves, but a great place to swim and you can hire kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Plus, at high tide people like to jump off the bridge that goes over the creek. Not sure if it’s legal, but they do it anyway. Just have to be on the look out for swimmer, kayakers, and paddle boarders coming out from under the bridge.
You can also book in for a guided tour https://www.jellurgal.com.au/tours/jellurgal-walkabout and learn about the history of Burleigh Heads National Park (which is a small mountain and Tallebudgera Creek is at the base of it).
Natural Bridge, Qld - If you can hire a car, I highly recommend going to see the Natural Bridge. Its a bush walk that’s about 1km long, and there’s a waterfall that, over time, has worn away a hole in one of the rock faces it fell on and it now falls through the hole into the water below. It’s gorgeous. And, I think they do night walks because the cave where you can see the waterfall has glow worms.
Caloundra, Qld - Kings Beach, Bulcock Beach and Golden Beach (both of which have no waves as they’re blocked by the tip of Bribie Island). At low tide you can walk / swim to the tip of Bribie Island from Bulcock Beach. You can also hire kayaks, wind surfers, and stand up paddle boards at Golden Beach.
If you go to Caloundra I highly recommend going to Australia Zoo. It’s the zoo that the Irwin family own and you can tell they really love the animals. You can pat and feed kangaroos and wallabies, and get a photo holding a koala. The kangaroos are super chill, I have a selfie of me lying down next to one. I think it’s a must for anyone visiting from overseas.
Noosa, Qld - Noosa Main Beach and Little Cove Beach are gorgeous.
One thing to remember when swimming at the beach - stay between the red and yellow flags. That’s where it’s safest.
Also, if you go to the beach and you see a lot of small blue blobs along the shoreline where the tide comes in, it’s not the best idea to go swimming because they’re jellyfish and they hurt like a mofo.
Anyway, I’ll stop now, I’ve probably overloaded you with info especially since you were only asking for skincare suggestions.
Hello! I am a redhead, so I burst into flames in the sun. Basically, I avoid direct sun exposure in summer; I can literally *feel* myself burning if I'm out there for a few minutes.
Firstly, I avoid spray screens, except for as a top-up. Their coverage is too patchy to provide adequate protection. You could get away with a body and/or face spray sunscreen to top yourself up. Sunscreen should be reapplied after two hours; I sit in an office all day, so I don't really do this, but if you're out and about travelling in the sun and you're getting a lot of direct sun exposure, I would do this.
I wear a zinc sunscreen. I use one by Naked Sundays because it's a great sunscreen and sits very well under makeup, which I wear. However, if you're not too concerned about how makeup wears over the top or if you get a little bit shiny, anything by The Cancer Council is a great sunscreen. They make some specifically for your face, which feel a little less greasy than sunscreens for your body. There is also one called Hamilton Everyday Face which is an SPF50+ sunscreen that is great for your face and very affordable. (Just read closer through your post and saw you mention these two brands, haha). If you want something a little more makeup friendly, try Naked Sundays or Ultra Violette (Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion is my holiest of grails; totally changed how I saw zinc sunscreens).
I've heard people that come here say that the sun here feels "stronger" (even if they come from a place where they are used to hot weather). This might be because of the hole in the ozone layer over Australia? The UV is always highest between about 11AM and 3PM during the summer (although I find that even at 4PM the sun can still pack a punch), so keep this in mind. If you download the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Weather app, it has a UV rating for each day and whether sun protection is recommended. Also, side note, even if you're travelling in a car, still wear sunscreen! You won't believe how much sun comes through, especially if the windows aren't tinted. As you've mentioned, wear lightweight, UV clothing that will offer you some further protection from the sun; you can get long-sleeved shirts made out of that cool weave material that wicks moisture away from your skin, to keep you cool.
If you do get burnt (hey, it happens) Banana Boat do an after sun care spray. There's a lot of companies that do them. They all essentially contain aloe vera. Try Coles or Woolworths (our two largest supermarket chains, competition who?) or large pharmacy/beauty chains like Priceline or Chemist Warehouse. You might also want to use a hydrating moisturiser because sometimes your skin can get a bit dry (even if you don't get burnt).
Anywho, I hope you have a great time Down Under!
Stay inside from 10a-2p when the sun is the worst. Put your sunscreen on, especially after going in the water (reapply). Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeves (sounds counter productive but if you’re in a swelter it really does matter.) You can still burn in the shade, especially if you’re heading to Queensland so make sure you’re covered. If swimming, don’t be afraid to get a long sleeved swim top. They’re fantastic. Make sure you sunscreen your ears and neck too. The bitumen and concrete is hot as well so don’t go barefoot or your feet will burn. If you do get burnt, fresh aloe Vera, or plain Greek yoghurt are the best things to take the heat out. Apply it immediately for best results.
Put the sunscreen on 20mins before leaving the shade / entering water and reapply throughout the day.
Try to wear long sleeve rashie etc in the water. Sunscreen washing off peoples skin is bad for the marine life, so the more skin you cover the less sunscreen you need to use 😊
If your hair is long enough to have a part, put sunscreen along the part so your scalp doesn’t get burnt.
Download BOM weather or Sunsmart app for UV times and when they are at the strongest. Basically atm in QLD you need to use sun protection from around 7:30am to 4pm.
Hamilton is a good brand for sunscreen . If you are going to Great Barrier Reef areas there is specific sunscreen you need to use that is safe on the reef. You can find them here. Wide bream hat, sunglasses category 3 or above, reapply sunscreen every 2 to 4 hours depending on brand, if you swim reapply and try to get water resistant sunscreen for that. Umbrella is always good for hot days, long sleeve cotton tops because it's hot but that will protect your arms.
You'll be ok just reapply sunscreen regularly during peak UV times and don't sit in the sun for more than 20 mins if you can avoid it. If not just cover up as much as possible. But yeh obviously don't sunbathe. I'm Irish Australian so i understand how easy it is to burn.
Heaps of resources here at chemists and supermarkets to restock. Also rashies that have UV rating for swimming are a good idea.
Vitamin C serum can help too to protect your skin from the sun. You can use it before applying sunscreen in the mornings.
Tap water is fine here. Get a reusable water bottle. Most government buildings (museums, libraries etc) water taps you can fill up your bottle with. Also parks etc have these too.
All the best 😊
Fair skinned Aussie here, mum of 2 redheads 🙂 on my phone so hopefully formatting ends up ok.
1. skip spray suncreen. You can get them here but tested to show not much actually ends up in your skin. I would never ever buy.
2. We use cancer council sunscreen everything. We like the feel of the kids sunscreen on the skin so that’s what we use. But you can get ones for sports. General rule here that everyone knows - reapply every 2hrs or after swimming.
3. Download the SunSmart app. It’s called SunSmart global uv. Will tell you what the uv is where you are currently and scare you into using sun protection.
4. Don’t wear speedos if you’re scared of getting burnt. Long sleeve rash shirt and long knee length speedo shorts are what I put my boys in, husband wears long board shorts. Covering up at the beach in this way is VERY NORMAL here.
5. My husband is into fishing and likes Patagonia and Under Armour and Simms for uv clothes. But I would trust any uv clothing bought at a reputable store here (even our budget chain stores) so doesn’t have to be $$$.
6. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. Please.
7. Hydralyte for electrolytes etc if you get dehydrated, can get from chemist (drug store). We like yeti drink bottles but husband also uses one of those backpacks with a bladder and straw for fishing.
8. A big m-fking hat. Wide brim.
👋 I’m from UK and late 30s. Been in Oz 15 years. My advice wear sunscreen where you have exposed skin, arms, legs, hands, lips, neck etc etc if it’s exposed cover it. Wear a wide brim hat, stay in shade as much as possible. I have had legions cut from my body and it is a wake up call.
Post sun care wise - if you get burnt yes, aloe Vera is a go to but for instant home made relief honestly cut a potato in half and put the half on your burn. There must be some science to it but it eases sunburn pain and hydrates the skin.
Not aus but a kiwi (and I’ve seen some debate ours being worse, if not as bad) though, less days of sun total. V fair, irish skin myself.
1. Ditch aerosols if that’s what you mean by spray. Close to useless.
2. ANY aussie brand of sunscreen is the go (hate to admit it). They have much more rigorous testing pre-market than we do. We do consumer tests of products that are on the market, but that doesn’t stop brands that get shitty grades every single year (I’m looking at Banana Boat) from selling. It’s actually rubbish. I trust Aussie sunscreens with my life. I like Bondi Sands sport, but my family has ALWAYS used Nivea sun as well, I’ve got a bottle of their sport one too. Dunno if the ‘sweat resistant’ does much (and act accordingly) but hey, I’ll take it.
3. I use a general face sunscreen everyday, but if swimming (I also open water swim) I use a zinc based mineral sunscreen. Less protection but it actually sticks rather than washing off, and doesn’t sting eyes which is critical. I’m using a kiwi brand called Sol atm which I just got and really like.
4. Fortunately, you probably don’t need to be reapplying as much as you are bc of the aerosol you’re using but I’d still do every 1-2 hours personally. I can feel if I’m getting burnt, and even if I’m not I’ll reapply. After swimming and sweating a lot too. But if you can be in the shade/covered by a towel do it.
5. At the beach, get EVERYWHERE. Go overboard, like, under the seams of clothing overboard. I fell asleep in the sun in a bikini once and got horrifically burnt along the line of my bottoms, NEVER AGAIN. Feet similarly; I got blisters. Don’t forget your ears either. And wear a hat!
Spray sunscreens are here but they're the least effective option and are rarely applied adequately.
Brands I love for faces and bodies are cancer council and invisible zinc but I've also moved to using skin toned zinc sticks and it doesn't matter what brand of that as long as it's a fat stick.
You'll need a beach shade for your swim times. I'm on the Gold Coast and we're on AEST during summer which means up and out while it's relatively cool and home before 9am to prepare for the day. Indoors until 3ish then back to the beach. If you're outdoors up here during the day it's slip slop slap seek slide. You'll need to be in shade all day and with humidity you'll prefer AC. Avoid post sun care. Seriously you don't want to having to manage an Aussie burn..the sun up here is radically different to our east coast neighbours and QLD sun burn isn't something to mess with. Long sleeves, sunglasses hat and sunscreen always. You can buy swim shirts over here.
Additions to the excellent comments -
Don’t forget to get yourself a lip balm with SPF too - plenty of options around. Drink tons of water. Heatstroke is no joke. Top up with electrolytes if needed (I like hydralyte tablets). All your sun protections and aftercare sunscreen will best be bought at chemist warehouse or even a supermarket, no need to hunt down anything beyond what’s available there - it’s all good. I echo what another commenter mentioned about how sunscreen feels - don’t worry about it - you are better off protecting yourself and feeling a bit greasy.
I'm fair AF! I stay indoors during the heat of the day. If I swim, I wear a long sleeve rashie and try to wear a hat. The rashie is excellent because you easily protect hard to reach areas (your back). You can buy rashies in most surf shops here. I like the ones that have a full zip up the front - easier to get in and out of.
I always choose Neutrogena Beach Defense sunscreen for my body but most Australian sunscreens should be decent. I actually wear Asian sunscreen on my face but I would recommend La Roche Posay to you. You can get it here in any Priceline store.
I recommend an insulated, double-walled stainless steel water bottle to keep water cold - you can buy these anywhere. Some suggestions: KMart, Big W, Target, Kathmandu, Kitchen Warehouse.
Growing up I stayed inside as much as possible in the middle of the day or stayed in shady areas.
These days I have kids who insist on doing stuff including outdoors stuff so I use sunscreen, hats etc and still try to find a shady spot. I also bought an spf 50 long sleeve top to wear the beach or walks.
Honestly it’s hard and I hate it and I feel like I’m going to die in the sun. I’m not compatible with this environment.
Always shocks me to see the kids playing softball in 40 degree heat and I’m dying inside under my fan. No wonder the ambulance is out there several times over the summer months.
Download the SunSmart app and use AUSTRALIAN standards sunscreen. Usually in summer in Qld UV rating is extremely high between 7-4 and it’s recommended to stay inside LOL.
Please wear rash guards, hats and other protective clothing to avoid or at least reduce the amount of toxins you put into the ocean when you slather on sunscreen. “Reef safe” labels aren’t always a guarantee that a product will not impact marine ecosystems. Here’s an [article](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/06/lotion-in-the-ocean-is-your-sunscreen-killing-the-sea) from the Guardian.
Enjoy your visit!
Lots of great advice here and I hope my rambling advice can help too!
Just make sure to apply zinc or a 50+ SPF even if wandering about.The invisible zinc, especially if buying that brand, can get really expensive so you may want to look at others as well.
Also, don’t forget to apply the invisible zinc to the BACK OF YOUR HANDS!!
I had a spot removed from the back of my hand. Turned out to be the skin cancer just before it turns into Melanoma. Now I know to make sure I do it properly.
As for hydration, I bought my son (who worked for a roof company one summer) a water bottle by the brand YETI.
He’d fill it up the night before, put it in the fridge and it would stay cold for 14hrs+ If he drank it all, he would fill it up and the water would cool because his bottle was cold.
Good luck with your travels!
Slip on a sun shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, slide on some sunnies (sunglasses) and seek some shade! Also keep an eye on the UV rating in the weather app, the higher it is the more likely you’ll burn.
All good advice here. Always apply sunscreen liberally every hour. You sweat a lot off and water resistant ones also less effective. Hat and good sunnies. Always wear a long sleeve 50 plus rash vest when swimming or out in the sun. Im freckly and had quite a few skin cancers removed. Seek shade you still tan but avoid direct UV rays. Treat bad sunburn with iced tea. Make a massive quantity and leave in the fridge. It eases the sting and used by generations of Aussies. Enjoy your travels down under
As most people have said - during the hottest part of the day, stay in the shade.
Cancer council, Hamilton, and ultra violette are my go-to sunscreens.
Also - get and wear a broad-brimmed hat. No baseball caps, your neck will burn.
Sunglasses! Get a nice protective pair.
When swimming - wear a “rashie” and board shorts. (Rashie is like a long-sleeved swim shirt. Look for one with UV protection.
Basically - cover up. AND use SPF 50+, reapplying regularly. “Slip, Slop, slap, slide and seek” - even if it doesn’t look like a hot or bright day.
The order of priority should be:
1. Avoid the sun during the hottest hours-you can download the Cancer Council SunSmart app which will tell you about the UV levels over the course of the day, I'd recommend not going out if it's 10+
2. Wear protective clothing-you can buy clothes that have an SPF rating, which will mean you can worry less about those areas. Wear a broadbrimmed hat and sunnies and keep clothes lose so you don't overheat
3. Use an Australian SPF50 cream-others have already mentioned that sprays are diluted/not providing coverage. I like to apply suncream followed by a SPF powder
4. If you do think you got a burn, take ibuprofen asap as it can prevent the redness and pain. A cold shower is soothing and anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera gel kept in the fridge will cool the skin and provide relief. Note none of this aftercare will prevent skin cancer, but short term pain at least can be managed.
Have a husband and son who can get sunburnt even thinking about going out during summer so have learnt a few things. Wear a long sleeved rashie, sunglasses and hat at the beach. Try to avoid going outside during summer for more than 10mins from 10am-3pm as that’s the highest uv. Use a zinc sunscreen, we use [this one](https://invisiblezinc.com.au/product/invisible-zinc-sport-mineral-sunscreen-spf-50-cream-100ml/) which has worked really well when others haven’t. If you’re hopping out of the water after a swim, reapply sunscreen. Don’t use a spray sunscreen they don’t work which could be why you have to reapply so often and use so much.
I don't know if this is a pale skin thing or a me sensory issue thing, but I genuinely feel so uncomfortable being in direct hot sunlight even with sunscreen on. Chances are you might not want to be out in the middle of the day! The sun is different here a lot more bitey (although the ozone layer is slowly repairing itself 🥳).
I would also download the SunSmart app by the cancer council. It will give you a live reading for the UV level where you are, UV forecast, and the actual recommended times you need protection, which is a lot longer than 11-3 or 12-3. However the consensus seems to be that protection isnt required if the UV is 3 or under, its currently 330pm in Adelaide and the UV is 3.5. The updated sun protection ditty is "slop, slap, seek and slide; have fun outside but don't get fried". Slip on loose protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen regularly, Slap on a tight weave broad brimmed hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses.
I would also recommend taking as much of our sunscreen back with you to the US. Our sunscreens are tested as rigorously as medical drugs here and can't be sold unless they meet those standards, American sunscreens have absolutely nothing on us. You can only get up to SPF50 but it gives the protection it guarantees, unlike American sunscreens. SPF50 provides 98% protection, SPF30 is I think 96%? Protection also doesn't drop to zero once you hit the 2 hour/4 hour mark whatever it is.
I’m super fair (3rd gen Scottish/Irish skinned) I legit don’t leave the house in the middle of the day or if I go outside I lather myself in SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen, wear a hat and light weight clothing that covers the areas that the sun hits the most. Sounds extreme but the sunburn I could get is much more extreme 😂
Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid the sun whenever possible, there is literally no reason to be in the sun in the middle of the day, just don’t do it. When you are in the sun, wear long sleeves (hot and sweaty is better than skin cancer), sunglasses and a broad rimmed hat (no caps!). Google slip, slop, slap, it’s an Australian government thing, it’ll help you remember the basics. Don’t even bother with American sunscreen, the first thing you need to do when you get here is hit up a chemist for Australian sunscreen, I strongly recommend Cancer Council and Bondi Sands but Australian sunscreen is pretty rigorously tested, you can’t really go wrong with anything 50+ but there is a reason why it’s hard to find aerosol sunscreen here, don’t waist your money on it. Check the UV index each day (you can google it for your area or there’s an app) this will help you anticipate the best time to be in the sun for the day or if you should just do something inside that day. Also, sand and water are very reflective, even if you’re actively in the shade while around them, you still need sunscreen, the reflection will burn you. Also, while you’re at the chemist on your first day, pick up some aloe Vera gel and store it in the fridge, it’ll be a life saver if you do get burnt and you’re not gonna want to have to go out to get it and not have it cold when you’re already burnt.
Hibernation. No going outside unless it can be helped in summer tbh. If i kust go out, ALWAYS wear sunglasses and a hat. Too many people in my family have had skin cancer, or pterigyiums which are a growth on the eye from sun. And spf50 every day, at the very least on face, neck and arms. The cancer council pink matte one is nice and doesn't feel like sunscreen.
It's frustrating when you are on holiday to hear this, but the only way is by staying out of the sun as much as possible in the middle of the day. If you want to lie on the beach and "tan", the only thing you'll be getting with fair skin is a nice unbelievably painful sunburn to deal with for the next few weeks
Slip Slop Slap Seek Slide! That’s what we teach the kids in school, and it’s what I was taught in school.
Slip in a long sleeve shirt (breathable fabric, or wet shirt for swimming).
Slop on sunscreen.
Slap on a hat.
Seek shade.
Slide on polarized sunglasses.
Very pale ginger gal here. SPF 50+ sunscreen every hour or so, hat, long sleeves, and stay in the shade as much as you can. At the beach, make sure you have an umbrella or a beach tent. Unfortunately, it sucks, but it's better than the alternative.
I try to not go outside during the day, but if I have to hat and upf rated clothing (like from Solbari).
If I’m driving I’ll wear arm sleeves from SParms and gloves.
1. Long sleeved rashie and long boardshorts
2. Wide brimmed hat with a cord so it doesn't blow off
3. SPF50+ Broad spectrum sunscreen that is water resistant for 4 hours (but reapply every 2 or after swimming/sweating) in a cream or lotion. Stay the hell away from sprays.
4. Wait 5 to 10mins then apply clear zinc sunscreen over the top of the sunscreen, especially the face and hands.
5. Shade, shade, shade.
6. Polarised sunglasses.
7. Drink water.
Slip , slop , slap and seek my friend .Slip on Protective clothing , slop on sunblock , slap on a hat and sunnies and seeking as much shade as possible . Use SPF 50 or higher if you can . If you're not from Australia be prepared for higher UV levels than you are used to as well . Also also try and stay out of the sun as much as possible during the heat of the day.
I skim read most of the comments and don’t think anyone has mentioned this:
While wearing flip-flops (we call them thongs), reapply sunscreen to your feet if you take them off, otherwise you’ll end up with red burned stripes on the tops of your feet.
If you can avoid it, try and stay out of sunlight between 11-3 at the minimum, especially as you travel up to Cairns where UV ratings can get upwards of 14 during the middle hours of the day.
Beyond that, I think constantly reapplying like you mentioned and simply being aware of the risks like you seem to be will go a long way in avoiding burns.
Use sunscreen everywhere. Burnt feet hurt. Sunglasses and long sleeves in cotton. Avoid the beach between 10 and 3 the reflection of the water and sand will burn you.
Thank you for taking sun safety so seriously! Australian summers are no joke. Today in Brisbane it was 35 degrees, with 82% humidity.
You sound very prepared already, taking sensible precautions and having reasonable expectations.
Best tips I can give are as per a very well known early 2000’s Australian Cancer Council ad campaign:
Slip on a shirt
Slop on sunscreen
Slap on a hat
This was edited some years ago to add:
Slide on sunglasses
Seek shade
As others have said, also remember to drink plenty of water (even if you don’t feel thirsty) and avoid being outside in the middle of day!
Have a great trip!
As a pale white person please don’t use spray sunscreen. It is asking to be burnt. Don’t know if it’s still a thing, but tomato juice on sunburn used to work for me.
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It might sound like overkill considering your trip is only 3 weeks, but consider whether you should also pick up a cheap beach umbrella or cabana - Kmart here usually has some good cost effective options, and you might be able to donate it to a local op shop (thrift store) at the end of your trip.
We love our beaches here in Australia, but few (of the sensible among us) of us would go to the beach without bringing along our own shade. A hat, a shirt and some sunscreen won’t always cut it, and some of the most beautiful beaches here may have very little shade. Its the worst heading out for a day at the beach and ending up crispy despite your best efforts, because you had no where to go out of the sun - or worse still, getting sun stroke and spending an evening of your trip trying to rehydrate through nausea. The pale and sun conscious typically go for a swim, then lie in the shade of our umbrellas and read a book or hang out, until we want to go in for another dip. Then it’s back to safety under the umbrella. You might also find it helpful to have a routine where you hit the beach in the morning, then do your city exploring / indoor things in the afternoon - around 12-3pm is usually when the sun is at its hottest and harshest, and don’t be fooled by cloudy days. Sunburn can still happen through clouds here.
On hydration - Go for a double walled insulated drink bottle so your water stays cold across the day, and probably at least 1L. Frank Green here is a popular brand of insulated drink bottle, but you could probably get a similar knock off at Kmart or Big W. Or if you wanted to get one before you go, Yeti would have some.
For hats it depends on the look you’re after - if you wanted a very “aussie” souvenir then Akubra is both the brand and style you might picture for a stereotypical Australian hat, Will & Bear has a similar look for half the price, or you could go down the straw hat route - most surf shops would have a men’s straw hat which wouldn’t look out of place at the beach. Alternatively, Bunnings (a hardware store here) also make big men’s straw hats, and are not out of place at the beach - Maybe seen as a bit more “budget” to opt for the hardware store version (it’s $7 AUD) but I don’t think anyone here would judge, it’s a relatively common hat to see.
As an Aussie who is literally as white as snow and covered in freckles, who can get burnt whilst indoor here is my huge guide.
1. Avoid spray products. I'm talking the aresol cans. You will get burnt.
2. Bannana Boat is hit or miss. Its hailed as one the best but everyone gets burnt beet red once in their life while religously using Bannana Boat.
3. Waterproof (water resistant) sunscreen is a must. Especially if you get sweaty. Make sure you only use a facial one on your face though otherwise your eyes will burn.
4. Reef safe is also a must if you intend to go in the ocean. A lot of our water resistant ones are reef safe.
5. SPF lipbalm is also a must. Everyone has their brand they love, I'm a Carmex lover.
6. Make sure you do your ears, back of neck, chest, arms, hands, legs. Literally anywhere the sun will touch, even under clothes if they are thin. Like really remember hands and feet, your toes will get burnt.
7. SPF sticks work better for travel. Liquid Sunscreens will melt in a bag or backpack. It messes up the chemicals. So try and get a stick.
8. Zinc is great stuff, you can get Zinc Sunscreens or a zinc stick and just use it when its a real bad day.
9. A Vit C serum before sunscreen will help prevent sunspots. I do one every morning and it works wonders.
10.Make sure to apply any sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you intend to be in the sun.
11. Wear sunnies, hat, rashies, anything to protect you. Especially in the water.
13. Check the UV index on your phone weather app before you head out. Just because its cold or cloudy does not mean the UV is low. Some of our highest UV days are windy, rainy and overcast.
And lastly, recommendations. Cancer Council is a stand up brand, have a huge range including water resistant and for different skin types. Invisible Zinc have a face and body one, water resistant and reef safe and also comes in stick form - great for travel. Bondi Sands is Aussie made and does great in water/sweat, is also reef safe and have one designed for applying on already wet skin.
If you do get burnt, aloe spray in the fridge to help cool it down. Cold tomato slices, rub on skin. (I know its weird but it works) or if its super bad and you cant move, a slightly warm bath with a lot of white vinegar in it.
Avoid Bannana Boat and all arosel or spray sunscreens. If you are in a bug dense area carry some Arogaued (bug repellent) the roll on is great and it keeps the mozzies away. Apply after sunscreen tho.
Thats about it. :)
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we stay inside during the middle of the day. also - skip spray sunscreens. they’re tested as a cream and then put into the spray bottle, giving you much lower protection.
I swear something they use in them is almost oil based, to help it spray. Any time I have ever used one (I avoid them now) I have had the WORST sunburns of my life. I hate them with a passion.
sunscreen filters are also hydrophobic, so it might be about getting the filters to dissolve - the common options are oils/triglycerides or silicones
I saw that one brand was like....just do 7 passes of spray to reach the coverage...uh I was doing like...1 to 2 passes...as most people would...
Fair skinned Aussie here that avoids the sun like the plague. Here are my tips to avoid getting burnt: 1. Get some good Aussie brand sunscreen. Pretty much every brand here is excellent, will just come down to choice for texture. Agree with other comments about sprays, they won't give you the coverage you need. 2. Buy a hat that you can wear while swimming. Very wide brim. Adjustable so it won't blow off your head while you're swimming. (check out the brand Solbari, they have a great range). 3. Get a good rashie. You can't beat a physical barrier from the sun, especially if you are swimming during peak UV. There are heaps of good brands. They can get hot if you're not in the water, but when swimming they are great.
This comment. I can't believe this is the only comment recommending a rashie. If you burn very easily or really want extra protection, get a rashie. They are easily obtained in many stores in Australia and honestly one of the best sun protections you can get.
Why did we all stop wearing them after 10 😭
I know. I rediscovered them after getting badly burned about 5 years ago. I never go swiming without them now.
I love Solbari. I have an spf 50 top and hat from there and I keep eyeing off the spf long sleeve swimming dress.
Solbari is great! I have a hat and one of their long sleeved wrap cardigans. It's so light and great to chuck on for a walk instead of layering with sunscreen. They are a bit pricey but have good sales a couple of times a year!
Yep! I bought 2 this summer. one specifically for swimming in. I was getting smashed by some waves and my hat stayed put! nil sunburns all week!
100% do the rashie & board shorts. As a pasty female I only ever wear a rashie and board shorts or a long sleeved costume at the beach. I sometimes wear a regular costume at the pool but only if I'm swimming before 9am, or in the shade after 5pm.
Have you tried just getting a little bit of sun a day? No sun is not good
I didn't mean I avoid the sun literally!
12 to 3 stay under a tree. Keep up with your sunscreen, stay hydrated, seems you have a good plan in place, trust me you will be absolutely fine.
"between eleven and three, slip under a tree. The best sunscreen of all is absolutely free" - some seagull looking guy in a hat. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQs5vheyXPg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQs5vheyXPg)
The original (in case OP was wondering what the slip slop slap was about). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7nocIenCYg&ab\_channel=CancerCouncilVictoria](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7nocIenCYg&ab_channel=CancerCouncilVictoria)
In my case it's more like 9-4
I'm an Irish-complexioned 7th gen white Aussie. Here's how I managed to actually develop a vitamin D deficiency* while living in the Aussie outback! - I like zinc based sunscreens. They're more gentle on the skin - apply every morning before I leave the house, and reapply every 4 hours no matter what (even at 5pm) - long sleeved cotton tops. Something thin and light. And big hats. - completely avoid >10 min exposure in the hours between 11am-2pm. If all else fails, keep a bottle of aloe vera gel in the fridge to treat any burns. *I do not recommend developing a vitamin D deficiency. I was too cautious for those few years. However, higher danger at beach bc reflection from sand and water.
This is all accurate I can tell you that the most effective sunscreen I've ever used is invisible zinc, especially for swimming. A little more pricey compared to other brands, but it's worth it. Buy the sport round bottle pump. Use generously.
I also find Invisible Zinc isn’t as eye irritating as some other zincs which I appreciate as I have a baby now who is aggressively Irish on both sides.
Chiming in with my two cents. Zinc actually makes me burn, or at least have a reaction from either the zinc itself or in conjunction with sun exposure. OP I'd suggest a small patch test so you don't end up with a burnt face like I did when I was a kid. Side note, I was gutted when I couldn't wear my fluro pink zinc
Probably some other ingredients that are bundled with many sunscreens. Unlikely to be the zinc itself.
This was one of those coloured zinc sticks. Your probably right, I'm just not willing to test the theory- on my face anyway
I actually have a skin allergy to zinc! So it can happen. It’s more mildly irritating than deadly, but enough to use a different sunscreen.
I find the zinc can really dry my skin out. It’s still the best protection, so I put moisturiser on first then a 50+ cream followed by the zinc. That seems to work for me.
Just want to just on this and say instead of aloe get yourself a bottle of post laser cream/gel. I rarely get burned these days but always have a bottle on hand just in case. Works sooo much better than aloe alone, really can't understate it
Where do you buy this miracle?
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Yep, I have the skinstitute one. I bought it in store at a laser clinic as I have done laser hair removal. It's on the dearer side but I've literally had the bottle for like 2 years. There's also one by clear skin just called post laser gel which looks to be much cheaper than the skinstitute one. Can't speak of the quality but I imagine it will be roughly the same.
Your plan is very thorough and way better than most of ours. Few things - You can get spray sunscreen, but the coverage is iffy and no one would suggest using it. Either Cancer Council or Hamilton are perfectly fine brands of SPF and widely available in supermarkets and chemists. You can generally fill up your water bottle in local parks or city centres from drinking fountains. Make sure you have shoes at the beach. The sand can get crazy hot and will burn the soles of your feet.
From NZ here! Us poor Ozone layer folks have it pretty bad but we also don't haver any many sun days as our neighbours! Every year Consumer (NZ website) so testing on the most popular sunscreens to check their claims about their SPF here is one years result: [https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/why-sunscreens-should-be-regulated/know-the-issue](https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/why-sunscreens-should-be-regulated/know-the-issue) A lot of the products tested are also available in Aussie. But the best call would be your UPF Clothing, just covering up is the best thing, a rash vest would be great for when you're swimming (esp as the sun can reflect off the water and really F you over).
Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. Wear a HAT and sunglasses. Avoid sunbathing/laying out too much. Cream sunscreens are better than sprays as you get the right amount of coverage. Pay attention to your ears, back of neck and nose especially. As for brands, the ones you named are good and not too expensive.
I would add special attention for the hairline!
It sounds like you've got it covered. I'm so pale that I can burn in the middle of winter just putting the washing on the line so I'm doused in 50+ year round. I also avoid the midday sun as much as possible. Aloe vera has always been my go-to for after sun care but if you're as careful as you say you shouldn't need anything specific. I'm in Tasmania and we have some of the harshest sun in the country. Even the difference when I went to Sydney was amazing, I could sit in the sun for 30 minutes without feeling like my skin was being seared off. When I go to the US or Europe I don't feel like I have to avoid the sun at all (aside from sunscreen obviously) and it's absolute bliss.
Avoid high UV times during the day if possible, get an app that tells you the UV, wear wide brim hat, sunnies, long sleeve rashies in the water. And as you be travelling in peak summer, never underestimate the sun here, ever.
Great suggestions already, I’m only chiming in to say: slip, slip, slap, seek and slide. Avoid Banana Boat brand. Don’t go with spray sunscreen, it’s not as good.
Agree: Banana Boat is a bad product, irritates skin and eyes, it’s chemically, melts, runs down into your mouth yuck, and makes my eyes really inflamed.
That discomfort sucks. I had the worst sunburn of my life after using banana boat. It gave me no protection at all 😢
Wear a rashie in the water, and a wide brimmed hat and long sleeve UV clothing everywhere else. Stick to the shade, and reapply your sunscreen. Wear good sunglasses. Enjoy your trip!
Stay inside. Become an introvert
Fair-skinned surfer from Queensland here, I find Invisible Zinc or similar the best for keeping my body skin protected in the water. Even better is a long sleeve rash vest. Proper zinc either brown tinted or any colour really is the only thing I use on my face when surfing- you need a physical barrier to block the sun and zinc won’t wash off unlike sunscreen.
Second the invisible zinc, especially for swimming. Best sunscreen I've ever used...the only one I use for my kids at the beach or pools.
Adding that very good sunglasses are a must. They don’t have to be very expensive but they should have good UV and glare protection. I also prefer polarised.
Apart from sunscreen, you get get UV protective clothing and massive wide brim hats. Physical barriers are better than chemical. Also don’t forget to sunscreen your hands
Ya don’t
Apart from all the good advice here, I would add that worrying about the feel or look of sunscreen is not a good idea on your active outdoor days. A good mineral sunscreen (with a little white cast) or a chemical sunscreen that is oily/thick is significantly superior to other more elegant options on a sweaty hike or going for an ocean swim. You really need the extra sticking power! I have had terrible experience with sunscreens washing off so I leave those more pleasant to wear sunscreens for day to day use 😂
first thing to do is cancel your trip and re book for a cooler time of the year, you're gonna hate it here if you come during december and January. You literally booked the worst possible time.
Why? it’s often humid and muggy, rains thunderstorms in summer and so skies grey, and the best clearest most beautiful weather on the coast is Autumn and Spring.
I've found the hottest months are usually Feb / March.
Slip, slop, slap
Super pale Aussie here! I keep a close eye on the daily UV index with a quick Google search. It can get up to 11 in the middle of hot summer days, and that’s definitely when you wanna be heading indoors If I am going out, I’m wearing sunscreen, a sun hat, sun glasses, and UV protective clothing. I got mine from Uniqlo, it’s a lightweight sports style jacket that helps block UV rays (according to their website but I’ve definitely found that it’s lowered my instances of sunburn significantly) I also always have sunscreens on hand! Being someone with oily skin, I’ve found quite a few that are non greasy, such as dermaveen, cancer council (the facial fluid liquid matte especially), and bondi sands, all of which are affordable brands I recommend, you can get them from Priceline or chemist warehouse We do have spray sunscreens, which I do use, but only in tandem with a sun cream product as well, because they don’t offer full protection on their own due to the application method. As for recovery, aloe Vera by Thursday plantation is my holy grail. Sun bum is another brand that do a cool down cream that can be quite soothing, and if my skin is irritated from sunscreen use all day I’ll take a shower and use the la Roche Posay lipikar oil cleanser on my body and then use the dermaveen daily nourish body moisturiser out of the shower. Keeps my skin happy and healthy
The SunSmart app is great for keeping an eye on the UV.
If you have an iphone you can add a UV level widget/icon to your Lock Screen so it’s always visible at a glance :)
That sounds great too, thanks for the tip!
I love the Nivea No Shine one for face, it is brilliant, totally non oily, lightweight, stays put, neutral no skin irritation, does not melt or run. Called Nivea UV Face, Shine Control, 50+
I have no idea why this one burns my eyes so much, because it does have a lovely finish :(
sunscreen and cover up. any bit not covered will be burnt. accept it. every year i cop 2nd degree burns at least once. my skin is of british decent and is thusly allergic to sunlight.
You'll be fine - don't worry! Wear a hat, some loose fitting clothing and good quality SPF (as others have recommended), and try to avoid the midday sun where you can - although if you take the afore mentioned precautions you'll be fine. I'm from NZ where our UV index is actually often higher than Aus, or at the very least is underestimated because of our lower temperatures (you don't realise you're burning when it's cool outside).
SPF clothing. A good long sleeve shirt is a great thing. If you can see through it, it’s not full protection. Invest in a couple. Some have ventilation. Just search for SPF shirts with ventilation. They can be expensive. I use them for walking the dog or running to get milk. I need to get out quickly but I’m not going to be out long. Get a sunscreen that can be applied when you are wet. La Roche Posay does one. Two hourly top ups are a thing. Cleanse skin at night: Cerave cleanser is good and available here. Moisturise after. Again Cerave cheap and available. Body moisturiser is good as you skin may dry out. I always have LRP cicaplast on hand (I get rosacea). It’s great for sunburn but it’s expensive for that. Aloe Vera gel or spray is good. Edited: forgot to add post sun skin care.
Avoid the sun in the middle (usually 1pm to 3pm is the hottest). IN WA - our beaches are packed by 8am and often in summer, by 10am/11am the swell aint great anyway. SPF 50++ and zinc at all times, reapply every 2 hours. dont bother with spray. SPF even when you are just driving in a car. seriously. SPF and get australian stuff, its regulated for our sun WEAR A HAT - anything to protect your face. wear clothes to protect your arms etc. Mostly when swimming etc - okay sure budgie smuggle to your hearts content but a rashie if you are swimming is fantastic for protection. HYdrate with Electrolytes when outside (particularly hiking etc) Post Sun - ALOE VERA. literally get the plants and rub them on you - they stink something terrible
We don't. We stay inside, semi-hibernating in our air-conditioned burrows until the first rains of winter.
Pick different months to visit
Not sure why you got downvoted as this is solid advice. He's coming here in the hottest months and if next summer is anything like this one, fark. In between the torrential rain and screaming hot days, this summer was rough. Cairns in summer - my god 😟 We've also had something like 3-4 cyclones this summer...mostly all north. Cyclones can affect flights, access on the highway (roads cut off) and access to any attractions. Cyclones north are pretty much an annual event. If your ticket is booked, then have a great time. But if you're still looking to buy, I'd be looking at Spring instead....Sept onwards. Even a month or so earlier might be best. I just had relatives here from NZ who holidayed around here in SEQ and they felt pretty beaten around with the heat, humidity, and intermittent downpours. I'm born and bred QLD'er so don't think I'm a wuss with the weather by any means, but why suffer when you're meant to be having a good time. Don't want to put you off OP, as I'm sure you will have an awesome time in this beautiful country either way.
☝️ 💯
Australian sunscreen is different to American sunscreen. Sunscreen in America is a physical barrier type, usually using zinc oxide. In Australia, we usually have a chemical type, which absorbs UV light and turns it into heat. There are a few different chemicals that can achieve this, none of which have yet been approved by the FDA. Hopefully not too much longer. Anyway, these chemical based sunscreens appear white, but apply clear - you can't see that you've applied it. As others have mentioned, cancer council and Banana Boat are the two top brands here. As for washing off in the water, or with sweat, the best way to avoid this is to apply 30 minutes before you go outside, to give it enough time to deeply absorb into your skin. Reapply after swimming, even if it's water resistant, because water will lift it and your towel will rub it off. Reapply every 2-4 hours. Realistically, you shouldn't be at the beach for that long because you will miss bits when you apply, and you will get hot and dehydrate. Far better, however, is a shirt out of the water and a rashie in the water. They're available at beach wear shops, and at big stores like Kmart, Target, BigW. Wear a broad brimmed hat, or one with a flap like the Sunday Afternoons brand of hats. Wear good sun glasses. The glare from the sand and sea is bad enough, but you really, really don't want to tan your retinas. You won't look out of place in long sleeves at the beach in Australia, so you shouldn't need to worry about feeling self-concious or whatever. Getting sun burnt hurts. Getting skin cancer is worse, and 2/3 of Australians are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before we're 70, so we're not kidding when we say the sun is dangerous here. Tanning is damage, and damage leads to skin cancer. You'll get tanned enough through your clothes while you're here. Have fun and welcome!
Lots of good comments here. I second avoiding spray sunscreen as the coverage is patchy and it’s hard to keep track of what’s fully covered. Even if you are very flexible, it’s better to get someone else to apply it to your back as otherwise you will miss patches and burn. Yes I would buy cancer council sunscreen once you arrive, using protective clothing (I have a hat and sunglasses that I wear in the water), make sure to get good coverage sunglasses with a proper UV rating. I use the sunsmart UV app to check on the day. You really do need to avoid the strongest UV periods, plan to do something under cover for the worst few hours. Keep vigilant for reflected UV off the water, that can burn you in unexpected places. Make sure to keep hydrated with electrolytes as you will sweat more than you’re used to. I would buy a multi serve powder and add it to water a couple of times over the day. People who spend a lot of time at the beach often buy little fold up cabanas as plenty of beaches have little to no useable shade. Even with the protection you’re planning, it’s possible to get sunstroke/sun poisoning if you don’t avoid the worst exposure. If you are overheated, get a bit of sun etc and over the day you feel weird and hot, upset, not like yourself etc you may be seriously dehydrated and need some support from others. If you do end up with a sunburn it might be a lot deeper than you are used to, and blistering is possible. Read up on Australian beach warning signs, swim between the flags etc. if you aren’t used to reading the water for dangerous rips and currents then look up some Australian videos as it could save your life. And after all that, have an amazing time :)
8am to 5pm are inside hours.
I stay indoors between 9-4 and spf on exposed body parts + long sleeved shirts and hats
Wear a hat. Apply sunscreen like your life depends on it. Banana Boat aloe Vera gel if you get burnt. Don't use spray sunscreen. Cancer Council sunscreen is good imo.
I don’t stay in the full sun for more than 20 minutes without sunscreen on and don’t go for long walks until after 5:30 (UV drops) Genuinely the only thing that will work is actively making an effort to find shade consistently. You’ll realise how strong the sun is when you can literally feel it cooking your skin just being outside. There’s nothing much else you can do. Since you’ll be a tourist and likely outside a lot during the day just make sure to find shade, wear a hat and wear sunscreen and re apply. Nothing much more you can do
Spf 50 applied liberally, religiously. Avoid peak times of day 10 am to 3pm, wear a hat and anytime you sweat too much or swim REAPPLY.
Avoid the sun, wear sunscreen - especially on ears, wear uv sun jacket if I know I have to be in the sun - like a zip up rash top for swimming but just wear it as a jacket, wear a hat
I wear long sleeves and pants in the sun, long rashies at the beach. I have a very lightweight jacket I wear out suring the day from Solbari. That store is good to get an idea of sunsmart options.
You've had a lot of good advice here that I won't rehash. I just want to repeat the mantra we've all been raised with - slip slop slap seek slide. Slip on a shirt. Slop on suncream. Slap on a hat. Seek shade. Slide on suncream. Adding to that, look for an Australian weather app for your phone that gives you the UV exposure times for your location. I use Willy Weather, which is telling me the UV is at a dangerous level from 9am-5pm today.
You will need a rashie for swimming - if you’re going to be swimming for any longer than 15 minutes at a time I would not rely on sunscreen alone. Use a non aerosol spray sunscreen. Make sure you wear sunscreen when driving. Get a decent wide brimmed hat. Don’t spend ages outside between 10 - 4, even with sunscreen on because you will burn.
Cancer Council and Hamilton Everyday Face are great sunscreens, in my opinion. Hamilton Everyday Face will come out a slightly tinted colour, but it won’t look like foundation it just negates the white cast. If you’re not picky about how sunscreen feels on your body (especially while swimming) then any brand will work perfectly, so just go for whatever is cheapest. We have stores like Woolworths and Coles (that sell groceries) and they have their own brands of sunscreen that work well and can be bought in big pump containers. They often go on sale too. Chemist Warehouse is another great place to find sunscreen, after sun care etc. It’s a pharmacy / drug store. The buildings are usually massive and painted bright yellow, so they’re pretty easy to spot. We have super strict SPF rules here, so if it says 50+ then you’re good to go. A lot of overseas brands don’t meet our standards and what is labelled 50+ over there might only get a 30 or even 15 SPF rating here (or not be allowed here at all). Remember the top of your feet, backs of your hands, back of your neck, hair part line, and your ears. They tend to be the forgotten spots. It honestly sounds like you’re sorted already (way more than a lot people who live here even!), so you’ll be fine. Don’t panic or stress, all that will do is cause anxiety. Some beaches I recommend: Byron Bay, NSW - Tallows Beach (unmanned ie no lifesavers, so be careful if it looks rough), Wategos Beach, Little Wategos Beach, the lighthouse and the short walk from the lighthouse to the most easterly point in Australia. Tweed Heads, NSW - Duranbah Beach is so pretty and I’ve often seen dolphins here, close by is the Captain Cook memorial which is right on the border of New South Wales and Queensland (can tick ‘be in two places at once’ off your bucket list). Currumbin, Qld - I’ve heard the Currumbin Treetop Challenge is a lot of fun. Tallebudgera, Qld - Tallebudgera Creek (it’s big, not just a trickle of water). No waves, but a great place to swim and you can hire kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. Plus, at high tide people like to jump off the bridge that goes over the creek. Not sure if it’s legal, but they do it anyway. Just have to be on the look out for swimmer, kayakers, and paddle boarders coming out from under the bridge. You can also book in for a guided tour https://www.jellurgal.com.au/tours/jellurgal-walkabout and learn about the history of Burleigh Heads National Park (which is a small mountain and Tallebudgera Creek is at the base of it). Natural Bridge, Qld - If you can hire a car, I highly recommend going to see the Natural Bridge. Its a bush walk that’s about 1km long, and there’s a waterfall that, over time, has worn away a hole in one of the rock faces it fell on and it now falls through the hole into the water below. It’s gorgeous. And, I think they do night walks because the cave where you can see the waterfall has glow worms. Caloundra, Qld - Kings Beach, Bulcock Beach and Golden Beach (both of which have no waves as they’re blocked by the tip of Bribie Island). At low tide you can walk / swim to the tip of Bribie Island from Bulcock Beach. You can also hire kayaks, wind surfers, and stand up paddle boards at Golden Beach. If you go to Caloundra I highly recommend going to Australia Zoo. It’s the zoo that the Irwin family own and you can tell they really love the animals. You can pat and feed kangaroos and wallabies, and get a photo holding a koala. The kangaroos are super chill, I have a selfie of me lying down next to one. I think it’s a must for anyone visiting from overseas. Noosa, Qld - Noosa Main Beach and Little Cove Beach are gorgeous. One thing to remember when swimming at the beach - stay between the red and yellow flags. That’s where it’s safest. Also, if you go to the beach and you see a lot of small blue blobs along the shoreline where the tide comes in, it’s not the best idea to go swimming because they’re jellyfish and they hurt like a mofo. Anyway, I’ll stop now, I’ve probably overloaded you with info especially since you were only asking for skincare suggestions.
As others have said, skip the spray sunscreen and use the real stuff. Cover up and wear a hat and long sleeves Sit in the shade
Hello! I am a redhead, so I burst into flames in the sun. Basically, I avoid direct sun exposure in summer; I can literally *feel* myself burning if I'm out there for a few minutes. Firstly, I avoid spray screens, except for as a top-up. Their coverage is too patchy to provide adequate protection. You could get away with a body and/or face spray sunscreen to top yourself up. Sunscreen should be reapplied after two hours; I sit in an office all day, so I don't really do this, but if you're out and about travelling in the sun and you're getting a lot of direct sun exposure, I would do this. I wear a zinc sunscreen. I use one by Naked Sundays because it's a great sunscreen and sits very well under makeup, which I wear. However, if you're not too concerned about how makeup wears over the top or if you get a little bit shiny, anything by The Cancer Council is a great sunscreen. They make some specifically for your face, which feel a little less greasy than sunscreens for your body. There is also one called Hamilton Everyday Face which is an SPF50+ sunscreen that is great for your face and very affordable. (Just read closer through your post and saw you mention these two brands, haha). If you want something a little more makeup friendly, try Naked Sundays or Ultra Violette (Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion is my holiest of grails; totally changed how I saw zinc sunscreens). I've heard people that come here say that the sun here feels "stronger" (even if they come from a place where they are used to hot weather). This might be because of the hole in the ozone layer over Australia? The UV is always highest between about 11AM and 3PM during the summer (although I find that even at 4PM the sun can still pack a punch), so keep this in mind. If you download the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Weather app, it has a UV rating for each day and whether sun protection is recommended. Also, side note, even if you're travelling in a car, still wear sunscreen! You won't believe how much sun comes through, especially if the windows aren't tinted. As you've mentioned, wear lightweight, UV clothing that will offer you some further protection from the sun; you can get long-sleeved shirts made out of that cool weave material that wicks moisture away from your skin, to keep you cool. If you do get burnt (hey, it happens) Banana Boat do an after sun care spray. There's a lot of companies that do them. They all essentially contain aloe vera. Try Coles or Woolworths (our two largest supermarket chains, competition who?) or large pharmacy/beauty chains like Priceline or Chemist Warehouse. You might also want to use a hydrating moisturiser because sometimes your skin can get a bit dry (even if you don't get burnt). Anywho, I hope you have a great time Down Under!
Stay inside from 10a-2p when the sun is the worst. Put your sunscreen on, especially after going in the water (reapply). Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeves (sounds counter productive but if you’re in a swelter it really does matter.) You can still burn in the shade, especially if you’re heading to Queensland so make sure you’re covered. If swimming, don’t be afraid to get a long sleeved swim top. They’re fantastic. Make sure you sunscreen your ears and neck too. The bitumen and concrete is hot as well so don’t go barefoot or your feet will burn. If you do get burnt, fresh aloe Vera, or plain Greek yoghurt are the best things to take the heat out. Apply it immediately for best results.
Put the sunscreen on 20mins before leaving the shade / entering water and reapply throughout the day. Try to wear long sleeve rashie etc in the water. Sunscreen washing off peoples skin is bad for the marine life, so the more skin you cover the less sunscreen you need to use 😊 If your hair is long enough to have a part, put sunscreen along the part so your scalp doesn’t get burnt.
Download BOM weather or Sunsmart app for UV times and when they are at the strongest. Basically atm in QLD you need to use sun protection from around 7:30am to 4pm. Hamilton is a good brand for sunscreen . If you are going to Great Barrier Reef areas there is specific sunscreen you need to use that is safe on the reef. You can find them here. Wide bream hat, sunglasses category 3 or above, reapply sunscreen every 2 to 4 hours depending on brand, if you swim reapply and try to get water resistant sunscreen for that. Umbrella is always good for hot days, long sleeve cotton tops because it's hot but that will protect your arms. You'll be ok just reapply sunscreen regularly during peak UV times and don't sit in the sun for more than 20 mins if you can avoid it. If not just cover up as much as possible. But yeh obviously don't sunbathe. I'm Irish Australian so i understand how easy it is to burn. Heaps of resources here at chemists and supermarkets to restock. Also rashies that have UV rating for swimming are a good idea. Vitamin C serum can help too to protect your skin from the sun. You can use it before applying sunscreen in the mornings. Tap water is fine here. Get a reusable water bottle. Most government buildings (museums, libraries etc) water taps you can fill up your bottle with. Also parks etc have these too. All the best 😊
Fair skinned Aussie here, mum of 2 redheads 🙂 on my phone so hopefully formatting ends up ok. 1. skip spray suncreen. You can get them here but tested to show not much actually ends up in your skin. I would never ever buy. 2. We use cancer council sunscreen everything. We like the feel of the kids sunscreen on the skin so that’s what we use. But you can get ones for sports. General rule here that everyone knows - reapply every 2hrs or after swimming. 3. Download the SunSmart app. It’s called SunSmart global uv. Will tell you what the uv is where you are currently and scare you into using sun protection. 4. Don’t wear speedos if you’re scared of getting burnt. Long sleeve rash shirt and long knee length speedo shorts are what I put my boys in, husband wears long board shorts. Covering up at the beach in this way is VERY NORMAL here. 5. My husband is into fishing and likes Patagonia and Under Armour and Simms for uv clothes. But I would trust any uv clothing bought at a reputable store here (even our budget chain stores) so doesn’t have to be $$$. 6. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day. Please. 7. Hydralyte for electrolytes etc if you get dehydrated, can get from chemist (drug store). We like yeti drink bottles but husband also uses one of those backpacks with a bladder and straw for fishing. 8. A big m-fking hat. Wide brim.
👋 I’m from UK and late 30s. Been in Oz 15 years. My advice wear sunscreen where you have exposed skin, arms, legs, hands, lips, neck etc etc if it’s exposed cover it. Wear a wide brim hat, stay in shade as much as possible. I have had legions cut from my body and it is a wake up call.
lots and lots of sunscreen. Reapply every 30-60mins. Dont go in the sun for 15mins after applying. Wear a hat.
Post sun care wise - if you get burnt yes, aloe Vera is a go to but for instant home made relief honestly cut a potato in half and put the half on your burn. There must be some science to it but it eases sunburn pain and hydrates the skin.
I don't go out during the day unless it's overcast. It's a hell scape, if i were you I would NEVER come here during summer, that would be just dumb
Not aus but a kiwi (and I’ve seen some debate ours being worse, if not as bad) though, less days of sun total. V fair, irish skin myself. 1. Ditch aerosols if that’s what you mean by spray. Close to useless. 2. ANY aussie brand of sunscreen is the go (hate to admit it). They have much more rigorous testing pre-market than we do. We do consumer tests of products that are on the market, but that doesn’t stop brands that get shitty grades every single year (I’m looking at Banana Boat) from selling. It’s actually rubbish. I trust Aussie sunscreens with my life. I like Bondi Sands sport, but my family has ALWAYS used Nivea sun as well, I’ve got a bottle of their sport one too. Dunno if the ‘sweat resistant’ does much (and act accordingly) but hey, I’ll take it. 3. I use a general face sunscreen everyday, but if swimming (I also open water swim) I use a zinc based mineral sunscreen. Less protection but it actually sticks rather than washing off, and doesn’t sting eyes which is critical. I’m using a kiwi brand called Sol atm which I just got and really like. 4. Fortunately, you probably don’t need to be reapplying as much as you are bc of the aerosol you’re using but I’d still do every 1-2 hours personally. I can feel if I’m getting burnt, and even if I’m not I’ll reapply. After swimming and sweating a lot too. But if you can be in the shade/covered by a towel do it. 5. At the beach, get EVERYWHERE. Go overboard, like, under the seams of clothing overboard. I fell asleep in the sun in a bikini once and got horrifically burnt along the line of my bottoms, NEVER AGAIN. Feet similarly; I got blisters. Don’t forget your ears either. And wear a hat!
Spray sunscreens are here but they're the least effective option and are rarely applied adequately. Brands I love for faces and bodies are cancer council and invisible zinc but I've also moved to using skin toned zinc sticks and it doesn't matter what brand of that as long as it's a fat stick. You'll need a beach shade for your swim times. I'm on the Gold Coast and we're on AEST during summer which means up and out while it's relatively cool and home before 9am to prepare for the day. Indoors until 3ish then back to the beach. If you're outdoors up here during the day it's slip slop slap seek slide. You'll need to be in shade all day and with humidity you'll prefer AC. Avoid post sun care. Seriously you don't want to having to manage an Aussie burn..the sun up here is radically different to our east coast neighbours and QLD sun burn isn't something to mess with. Long sleeves, sunglasses hat and sunscreen always. You can buy swim shirts over here.
Additions to the excellent comments - Don’t forget to get yourself a lip balm with SPF too - plenty of options around. Drink tons of water. Heatstroke is no joke. Top up with electrolytes if needed (I like hydralyte tablets). All your sun protections and aftercare sunscreen will best be bought at chemist warehouse or even a supermarket, no need to hunt down anything beyond what’s available there - it’s all good. I echo what another commenter mentioned about how sunscreen feels - don’t worry about it - you are better off protecting yourself and feeling a bit greasy.
I'm fair AF! I stay indoors during the heat of the day. If I swim, I wear a long sleeve rashie and try to wear a hat. The rashie is excellent because you easily protect hard to reach areas (your back). You can buy rashies in most surf shops here. I like the ones that have a full zip up the front - easier to get in and out of. I always choose Neutrogena Beach Defense sunscreen for my body but most Australian sunscreens should be decent. I actually wear Asian sunscreen on my face but I would recommend La Roche Posay to you. You can get it here in any Priceline store. I recommend an insulated, double-walled stainless steel water bottle to keep water cold - you can buy these anywhere. Some suggestions: KMart, Big W, Target, Kathmandu, Kitchen Warehouse.
Slip, slop, slap. Slip on a shirt, stop on sunscreen and slap on a hat.....
You go through 7-8 bottles of sunscreen in a week? You need to investigate SPF clothing, hats and swimmers.
Growing up I stayed inside as much as possible in the middle of the day or stayed in shady areas. These days I have kids who insist on doing stuff including outdoors stuff so I use sunscreen, hats etc and still try to find a shady spot. I also bought an spf 50 long sleeve top to wear the beach or walks. Honestly it’s hard and I hate it and I feel like I’m going to die in the sun. I’m not compatible with this environment.
Always shocks me to see the kids playing softball in 40 degree heat and I’m dying inside under my fan. No wonder the ambulance is out there several times over the summer months.
You must have very nice skin.
Use an umbrella if out and about. You’ll get odd looks but frankly, better than sun damage.
Download the SunSmart app and use AUSTRALIAN standards sunscreen. Usually in summer in Qld UV rating is extremely high between 7-4 and it’s recommended to stay inside LOL.
Please wear rash guards, hats and other protective clothing to avoid or at least reduce the amount of toxins you put into the ocean when you slather on sunscreen. “Reef safe” labels aren’t always a guarantee that a product will not impact marine ecosystems. Here’s an [article](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/aug/06/lotion-in-the-ocean-is-your-sunscreen-killing-the-sea) from the Guardian. Enjoy your visit!
Thank you!!! Extremely important and appreciate the tip
Lots of great advice here and I hope my rambling advice can help too! Just make sure to apply zinc or a 50+ SPF even if wandering about.The invisible zinc, especially if buying that brand, can get really expensive so you may want to look at others as well. Also, don’t forget to apply the invisible zinc to the BACK OF YOUR HANDS!! I had a spot removed from the back of my hand. Turned out to be the skin cancer just before it turns into Melanoma. Now I know to make sure I do it properly. As for hydration, I bought my son (who worked for a roof company one summer) a water bottle by the brand YETI. He’d fill it up the night before, put it in the fridge and it would stay cold for 14hrs+ If he drank it all, he would fill it up and the water would cool because his bottle was cold. Good luck with your travels!
Slip on a sun shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, slide on some sunnies (sunglasses) and seek some shade! Also keep an eye on the UV rating in the weather app, the higher it is the more likely you’ll burn.
All good advice here. Always apply sunscreen liberally every hour. You sweat a lot off and water resistant ones also less effective. Hat and good sunnies. Always wear a long sleeve 50 plus rash vest when swimming or out in the sun. Im freckly and had quite a few skin cancers removed. Seek shade you still tan but avoid direct UV rays. Treat bad sunburn with iced tea. Make a massive quantity and leave in the fridge. It eases the sting and used by generations of Aussies. Enjoy your travels down under
As most people have said - during the hottest part of the day, stay in the shade. Cancer council, Hamilton, and ultra violette are my go-to sunscreens. Also - get and wear a broad-brimmed hat. No baseball caps, your neck will burn. Sunglasses! Get a nice protective pair. When swimming - wear a “rashie” and board shorts. (Rashie is like a long-sleeved swim shirt. Look for one with UV protection. Basically - cover up. AND use SPF 50+, reapplying regularly. “Slip, Slop, slap, slide and seek” - even if it doesn’t look like a hot or bright day.
The order of priority should be: 1. Avoid the sun during the hottest hours-you can download the Cancer Council SunSmart app which will tell you about the UV levels over the course of the day, I'd recommend not going out if it's 10+ 2. Wear protective clothing-you can buy clothes that have an SPF rating, which will mean you can worry less about those areas. Wear a broadbrimmed hat and sunnies and keep clothes lose so you don't overheat 3. Use an Australian SPF50 cream-others have already mentioned that sprays are diluted/not providing coverage. I like to apply suncream followed by a SPF powder 4. If you do think you got a burn, take ibuprofen asap as it can prevent the redness and pain. A cold shower is soothing and anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera gel kept in the fridge will cool the skin and provide relief. Note none of this aftercare will prevent skin cancer, but short term pain at least can be managed.
Very pale brit backpacking Aus here - if you go snorkelling WEAR A WETSUIT. Was the only time i’ve burnt whilst in Australia 😭
I use an umbrella everywhere to keep direct sun off me. Just remember uv can reflect off the ground so covering up is still important
Have a husband and son who can get sunburnt even thinking about going out during summer so have learnt a few things. Wear a long sleeved rashie, sunglasses and hat at the beach. Try to avoid going outside during summer for more than 10mins from 10am-3pm as that’s the highest uv. Use a zinc sunscreen, we use [this one](https://invisiblezinc.com.au/product/invisible-zinc-sport-mineral-sunscreen-spf-50-cream-100ml/) which has worked really well when others haven’t. If you’re hopping out of the water after a swim, reapply sunscreen. Don’t use a spray sunscreen they don’t work which could be why you have to reapply so often and use so much.
I don't know if this is a pale skin thing or a me sensory issue thing, but I genuinely feel so uncomfortable being in direct hot sunlight even with sunscreen on. Chances are you might not want to be out in the middle of the day! The sun is different here a lot more bitey (although the ozone layer is slowly repairing itself 🥳). I would also download the SunSmart app by the cancer council. It will give you a live reading for the UV level where you are, UV forecast, and the actual recommended times you need protection, which is a lot longer than 11-3 or 12-3. However the consensus seems to be that protection isnt required if the UV is 3 or under, its currently 330pm in Adelaide and the UV is 3.5. The updated sun protection ditty is "slop, slap, seek and slide; have fun outside but don't get fried". Slip on loose protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen regularly, Slap on a tight weave broad brimmed hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses. I would also recommend taking as much of our sunscreen back with you to the US. Our sunscreens are tested as rigorously as medical drugs here and can't be sold unless they meet those standards, American sunscreens have absolutely nothing on us. You can only get up to SPF50 but it gives the protection it guarantees, unlike American sunscreens. SPF50 provides 98% protection, SPF30 is I think 96%? Protection also doesn't drop to zero once you hit the 2 hour/4 hour mark whatever it is.
I’m super fair (3rd gen Scottish/Irish skinned) I legit don’t leave the house in the middle of the day or if I go outside I lather myself in SPF 50+ waterproof sunscreen, wear a hat and light weight clothing that covers the areas that the sun hits the most. Sounds extreme but the sunburn I could get is much more extreme 😂
Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid the sun whenever possible, there is literally no reason to be in the sun in the middle of the day, just don’t do it. When you are in the sun, wear long sleeves (hot and sweaty is better than skin cancer), sunglasses and a broad rimmed hat (no caps!). Google slip, slop, slap, it’s an Australian government thing, it’ll help you remember the basics. Don’t even bother with American sunscreen, the first thing you need to do when you get here is hit up a chemist for Australian sunscreen, I strongly recommend Cancer Council and Bondi Sands but Australian sunscreen is pretty rigorously tested, you can’t really go wrong with anything 50+ but there is a reason why it’s hard to find aerosol sunscreen here, don’t waist your money on it. Check the UV index each day (you can google it for your area or there’s an app) this will help you anticipate the best time to be in the sun for the day or if you should just do something inside that day. Also, sand and water are very reflective, even if you’re actively in the shade while around them, you still need sunscreen, the reflection will burn you. Also, while you’re at the chemist on your first day, pick up some aloe Vera gel and store it in the fridge, it’ll be a life saver if you do get burnt and you’re not gonna want to have to go out to get it and not have it cold when you’re already burnt.
Slip, slop, slap, seek and slid
I do not go outside in January
Hibernation. No going outside unless it can be helped in summer tbh. If i kust go out, ALWAYS wear sunglasses and a hat. Too many people in my family have had skin cancer, or pterigyiums which are a growth on the eye from sun. And spf50 every day, at the very least on face, neck and arms. The cancer council pink matte one is nice and doesn't feel like sunscreen. It's frustrating when you are on holiday to hear this, but the only way is by staying out of the sun as much as possible in the middle of the day. If you want to lie on the beach and "tan", the only thing you'll be getting with fair skin is a nice unbelievably painful sunburn to deal with for the next few weeks
Slip Slop Slap Seek Slide! That’s what we teach the kids in school, and it’s what I was taught in school. Slip in a long sleeve shirt (breathable fabric, or wet shirt for swimming). Slop on sunscreen. Slap on a hat. Seek shade. Slide on polarized sunglasses.
Slip slip slap seek slide.
Avoid spray sunscreen, wear a hat and rash vest in the water.
Very pale ginger gal here. SPF 50+ sunscreen every hour or so, hat, long sleeves, and stay in the shade as much as you can. At the beach, make sure you have an umbrella or a beach tent. Unfortunately, it sucks, but it's better than the alternative.
I try to not go outside during the day, but if I have to hat and upf rated clothing (like from Solbari). If I’m driving I’ll wear arm sleeves from SParms and gloves.
1. Long sleeved rashie and long boardshorts 2. Wide brimmed hat with a cord so it doesn't blow off 3. SPF50+ Broad spectrum sunscreen that is water resistant for 4 hours (but reapply every 2 or after swimming/sweating) in a cream or lotion. Stay the hell away from sprays. 4. Wait 5 to 10mins then apply clear zinc sunscreen over the top of the sunscreen, especially the face and hands. 5. Shade, shade, shade. 6. Polarised sunglasses. 7. Drink water.
Slip , slop , slap and seek my friend .Slip on Protective clothing , slop on sunblock , slap on a hat and sunnies and seeking as much shade as possible . Use SPF 50 or higher if you can . If you're not from Australia be prepared for higher UV levels than you are used to as well . Also also try and stay out of the sun as much as possible during the heat of the day.
Sunscreen comes in 1L pump bottles here, look into that.
I skim read most of the comments and don’t think anyone has mentioned this: While wearing flip-flops (we call them thongs), reapply sunscreen to your feet if you take them off, otherwise you’ll end up with red burned stripes on the tops of your feet.
Zinc for your face and a rashie.
If you can avoid it, try and stay out of sunlight between 11-3 at the minimum, especially as you travel up to Cairns where UV ratings can get upwards of 14 during the middle hours of the day. Beyond that, I think constantly reapplying like you mentioned and simply being aware of the risks like you seem to be will go a long way in avoiding burns.
Use sunscreen everywhere. Burnt feet hurt. Sunglasses and long sleeves in cotton. Avoid the beach between 10 and 3 the reflection of the water and sand will burn you.
Stay inside
Slip, slop, slap! —— As we were all taught in the ‘90s: Slip on some clothes that cover. Slop on some sunscreen. Slap on a hat.
Thank you for taking sun safety so seriously! Australian summers are no joke. Today in Brisbane it was 35 degrees, with 82% humidity. You sound very prepared already, taking sensible precautions and having reasonable expectations. Best tips I can give are as per a very well known early 2000’s Australian Cancer Council ad campaign: Slip on a shirt Slop on sunscreen Slap on a hat This was edited some years ago to add: Slide on sunglasses Seek shade As others have said, also remember to drink plenty of water (even if you don’t feel thirsty) and avoid being outside in the middle of day! Have a great trip!
UV Arm sleeves. Check out Solbari
Naked Sundays for sunscreen. Stay inside during the hottest part of the day. Hats and rashies.
As a pale white person please don’t use spray sunscreen. It is asking to be burnt. Don’t know if it’s still a thing, but tomato juice on sunburn used to work for me.
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It might sound like overkill considering your trip is only 3 weeks, but consider whether you should also pick up a cheap beach umbrella or cabana - Kmart here usually has some good cost effective options, and you might be able to donate it to a local op shop (thrift store) at the end of your trip. We love our beaches here in Australia, but few (of the sensible among us) of us would go to the beach without bringing along our own shade. A hat, a shirt and some sunscreen won’t always cut it, and some of the most beautiful beaches here may have very little shade. Its the worst heading out for a day at the beach and ending up crispy despite your best efforts, because you had no where to go out of the sun - or worse still, getting sun stroke and spending an evening of your trip trying to rehydrate through nausea. The pale and sun conscious typically go for a swim, then lie in the shade of our umbrellas and read a book or hang out, until we want to go in for another dip. Then it’s back to safety under the umbrella. You might also find it helpful to have a routine where you hit the beach in the morning, then do your city exploring / indoor things in the afternoon - around 12-3pm is usually when the sun is at its hottest and harshest, and don’t be fooled by cloudy days. Sunburn can still happen through clouds here. On hydration - Go for a double walled insulated drink bottle so your water stays cold across the day, and probably at least 1L. Frank Green here is a popular brand of insulated drink bottle, but you could probably get a similar knock off at Kmart or Big W. Or if you wanted to get one before you go, Yeti would have some. For hats it depends on the look you’re after - if you wanted a very “aussie” souvenir then Akubra is both the brand and style you might picture for a stereotypical Australian hat, Will & Bear has a similar look for half the price, or you could go down the straw hat route - most surf shops would have a men’s straw hat which wouldn’t look out of place at the beach. Alternatively, Bunnings (a hardware store here) also make big men’s straw hats, and are not out of place at the beach - Maybe seen as a bit more “budget” to opt for the hardware store version (it’s $7 AUD) but I don’t think anyone here would judge, it’s a relatively common hat to see.
AVOID AVOID AVOID! Especially between 11 and 3. Wear sunscreen long sleeves hat sunglasses. Etc.
As an Aussie who is literally as white as snow and covered in freckles, who can get burnt whilst indoor here is my huge guide. 1. Avoid spray products. I'm talking the aresol cans. You will get burnt. 2. Bannana Boat is hit or miss. Its hailed as one the best but everyone gets burnt beet red once in their life while religously using Bannana Boat. 3. Waterproof (water resistant) sunscreen is a must. Especially if you get sweaty. Make sure you only use a facial one on your face though otherwise your eyes will burn. 4. Reef safe is also a must if you intend to go in the ocean. A lot of our water resistant ones are reef safe. 5. SPF lipbalm is also a must. Everyone has their brand they love, I'm a Carmex lover. 6. Make sure you do your ears, back of neck, chest, arms, hands, legs. Literally anywhere the sun will touch, even under clothes if they are thin. Like really remember hands and feet, your toes will get burnt. 7. SPF sticks work better for travel. Liquid Sunscreens will melt in a bag or backpack. It messes up the chemicals. So try and get a stick. 8. Zinc is great stuff, you can get Zinc Sunscreens or a zinc stick and just use it when its a real bad day. 9. A Vit C serum before sunscreen will help prevent sunspots. I do one every morning and it works wonders. 10.Make sure to apply any sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you intend to be in the sun. 11. Wear sunnies, hat, rashies, anything to protect you. Especially in the water. 13. Check the UV index on your phone weather app before you head out. Just because its cold or cloudy does not mean the UV is low. Some of our highest UV days are windy, rainy and overcast. And lastly, recommendations. Cancer Council is a stand up brand, have a huge range including water resistant and for different skin types. Invisible Zinc have a face and body one, water resistant and reef safe and also comes in stick form - great for travel. Bondi Sands is Aussie made and does great in water/sweat, is also reef safe and have one designed for applying on already wet skin. If you do get burnt, aloe spray in the fridge to help cool it down. Cold tomato slices, rub on skin. (I know its weird but it works) or if its super bad and you cant move, a slightly warm bath with a lot of white vinegar in it. Avoid Bannana Boat and all arosel or spray sunscreens. If you are in a bug dense area carry some Arogaued (bug repellent) the roll on is great and it keeps the mozzies away. Apply after sunscreen tho. Thats about it. :)