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The Five S's of Sun Safety

Sun Safety & Prevention

ALMOST ALL SKIN CANCERS
ARE CAUSED BY OVER
EXPOSURE TO UV

That means that almost all skin cancers
are preventable by being sun savvy!

Over 80% of all skin cancers are preventable by following
just 5 simple sun safe measures: Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide, Shade...

A child’s delicate skin can burn within minutes causing
irreparable damage - learn how to protect them...

LEARN MORE

Do you know your facts about Sunscreen? Which to buy, what
SPF, UVA protection, how much to apply, when to reapply...

LEARN MORE

Did you know that the snow reflects up to 80% of sun
burning UV radiation! Learn about winter sun protection...

LEARN MORE

Is your child’s school or pre-school Sun Safe?
Make sure children are protected during school hours...

LEARN MORE

Do you work outdoors? Is your workplace Sun Safe?
Find out more about Sun Safety in the Workplace...

LEARN MORE

Look after your skin - stay safe in the sun!

Remember it's not just sunbathing that puts you at risk, but being in the sun without adequate protection. If you regularly take part in outdoor hobbies or sports, or work outdoors you could be at greater risk. Make sure you use all of the Five S's of Sun Safety and NEVER BURN!

THE FIVE S'S OF SUN SAFETY:
  1. SLIP on a t-shirt
  2. SLOP on SPF 30+ broad spectrum UVA sunscreen
  3. SLAP on a broad brimmed hat
  4. SLIDE on quality sunglasses
  5. SHADE from the sun whenever possible

1. SLIP ON A T-SHIRT

UV protective clothing
gives the best protection
against the sun's UV
Learn More

  • Clothing can be one of the most effective barriers between our skin and the sun
  • Clothing should cover as much skin as possible
  • Always keep shoulders covered that can easily burn
  • A closer weave will provide more protection
  • A high UPF rated fabric provides best protection

2. SLOP ON SPF 30+ SUNSCREEN

Learn more about
sunscreen, how it
works and which
is best to use.
Learn More

  • No sunscreen provides complete protection
  • Never rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin
  • Always use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or above, preferably water resistant
  • Make sure it's broad spectrum and carries a UVA symbol (if it has a star rating, use a minimum 4 star)
  • Store in an accessible, cool place and remember to check the expiry date
  • Apply a generous amount to clean, dry, exposed skin
  • Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and preferably once again when outdoors
  • Regardless of the instructions all sunscreens should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and more if perspiring or straight after swimming
  • Protect your lips with an SPF 30+ lip balm

3. SLAP ON A BROAD BRIMMED HAT

  • Always wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face, neck and ears
  • Legionnaire (with a flap that covers the neck and joins the front peak) or bucket style hats (with minimum 7.5cm brim) are the most effective
  • A close weave or UPF rated fabric will provide better protection
  • Warning: Baseball caps do not shade the ears and neck which can easily burn

4. SLIDE ON QUALITY SUNGLASSES

  • Solar UV radiation can be damaging to the eyes so it is important to wear quality sunglasses
  • Overall protection depends on the quality of the lens and the overall design
  • Look for the European CE mark which indicates a safe level of protection
  • Those labelled with a high EPF (which rages from 1-10) will provide best protection
  • Ensure they are close fitting and wrap around to stop solar UVR entering the sides and top
  • Remember price and darkness of the lens have no reflection on the quality of protection

5. SHADE FROM THE SUN WHEN POSSIBLE

  • Shade can provide a good barrier between our skin and the sun
  • Seek shade whenever possible, particularly at the hottest times of the day between 11am and 3pm when UV penetration is strongest
  • Keep toddlers and babies in the shade at all times
  • Never rely on shade alone, always combine with personal protection measures

You may also be interested in the following related topics:

Skin Cancer TypesCheck Your SkinMelanoma FactsEarly Detection
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Download all you need to
know in one handy little book
DOWNLOAD NOW
Sunbeds Can Cause Melanoma!
Sunbeds Can Cause Melanoma!
Sunbeds are not safe - fact! Find
out the truth and misconceptions
LEARN MORE
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Learn how to check your skin and
what you should be looking for...
LEARN MORE
Am I at risk of Skin Cancer
Am I at risk of Skin Cancer
Learn about your skin type level
of associated risk and protection...
LEARN MORE
Types of Skin Cancer
Types of Skin Cancer
Examples, symptoms, causes
treatments and prevention.
LEARN MORE
Spotlight Topics
Karen’s Story
MELANOMA
Real Life Stories
Karen’s Story
MELANOMA
LEARN MORE
Debbie’s Story
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
Real Life Stories
Debbie’s Story
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
LEARN MORE
Kerri’s Story
MELANOMA
Real Life Stories
Kerri’s Story
MELANOMA
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Sun Safe Schools
Sun Safe Schools
National primary school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist schools and parents on the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Sun Safe Nurseries
Sun Safe Nurseries
National pre-school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist settings and parents on the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Sun Safe Workplaces
Sun Safe Workplaces
National workplace accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach outdoor workers and employers the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
MASCED.UK
MASCED.UK
National Accreditation Scheme for hair, health and beauty professionals to promote the prevention and early detection of skin cancer and save lives.
LEARN MORE

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