RAISING AWARENESS THROUGH EDUCATION
PROMOTING PREVENTION & EARLY DETECTION CAMPAIGNING FOR CHANGE
SKCIN: THE KAREN CLIFFORD SKIN CANCER CHARITY / REGISTERED CHARITY: 1150048
WE NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE HELP US TO STOP SKIN CANCER TAKING MORE LIVES. WE ARE HUGELY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
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...
Do you know your facts about Sunscreen? Which to buy, what
SPF, UVA protection, how much to apply, when to reapply...
Did you know that the snow reflects up to 80% of sun
burning UV radiation! Learn about winter sun protection...
Is your child’s school or pre-school Sun Safe?
Make sure children are protected during school hours...
Do you work outdoors? Is your workplace Sun Safe?
Find out more about Sun Safety in the Workplace...
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!
- SLIP on a t-shirt
- SLOP on SPF 30+ broad spectrum UVA sunscreen
- SLAP on a broad brimmed hat
- SLIDE on quality sunglasses
- 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
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