Sun screen
Sunscreen stops most UV radiation from reaching the skin. Ingredients in sunscreen can absorb UV radiation or reflect UV radiation away from the skin. UVA radiation goes deep into the skin, affecting the living skin cells that lie under the skin's surface. UVA causes long-term damage like wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and discolouration, and also contributes to skin cancer.

The sun protection factor (SPF) rating tells you the level of protection. SPF protection is not cumulative. If you use a SPF 15 sun block and a SPF 25 make-up base, it does not add up to SPF 40. When layering products you are getting only the highest SPF protection you have applied. If used correctly, this can protect your skin from about 97% of UV radiation. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV radiation.

Choosing a sunscreen product

• Choose broad spectrum SPF 30+ water resistant sunscreen.
• All sunscreen products should have an expiry date. Most sunscreens will last 2-3 years if stored below 25°C. Don't use a sunscreen if it is out of date.
• Sunscreen can be bought as a cream, lotion, milk or gel. Choose one that best suits your skin type and your type of activity.
  

Applying sunscreen

• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors.
• The average-sized adult should apply at least a teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm, leg, front of body and back of body and at least ½ a teaspoon to the face (including the ears and neck). That is, 35 ml of sunscreen for one full body application.
• No matter what the sunscreen directions say, always reapply sunscreen every two hours when you are outdoors. Sunscreen can be easily wiped or perspired off and you need to keep putting sunscreen on to get the best protection.

Sunglasses
Eyes, like skin, can be damaged by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Repeated exposure of unprotected eyes to UV radiation can cause short-term and long-term damage. The use of wrap-around, close-fitting, large sunglasses, with eye protection factor (EPF) 10 helps to reduce reflected UV radiation and glare which passes around the edge of the sunglasses and reaches the eye.