Bernieboy

Mother-in-laws

scottishcelts

....that's a whole new topic altogether

dejags

Can't comment for Aussies, but we don't wear it everyday.

I am pretty sure that it's not good for the skin to be covered in any type of cream all day/every day.

I recently had a skin cancer check. The specialist GP was very clear on the best course of action:

1. Stay out of the sun between 10 & 3
2. Cover up
3. Use sunscreen on exposed skin if you intend to go out in the sun for more than 10 minutes.
4. Be aware of your skin type (I am very fair with freckles and moles)

Even if Aussies are slothful when it comes to the use of sunscreen, I am pretty certain that the high rates of skin cancer are not made up, so we choose to be pretty careful of the sun all year round (in Brisbane).

Pollyana

Did you have to spoil my day by using the dreaded "M" word?

Bernieboy

Yes

mohogony

Queenslands the worst state for skin cancer and the sun, l'd say Victoria's probably has the least sunshine.

furbacchione

If you go out at certain times of the day you should be wearing sun screen. After a while living here you soon figure out when you need to slap on the grease.

Considering 1 (or was it 2... can't remember...) out of every 3 aussies will have to have some sort of growth cut out of their skin at least once in their lives due to sun exposure it's a good idea to get into the habbit.

Babsw

at the child care centre wher i work if a child hasn't sun screen and a sunhat they have to stay on the verandah at play time.

rockpeblar

Try to use the natural zinc based creams where possible. Some of the cheaper sun screens have lots of nasty chemicals which are easily absorbed into the skin.

seayork2002

I never did............but I did work indoors but if I was ever outside for long periods I did

Flutterby

http://www.arpansa.gov.au/uvindex/realtime/index.cfm

This is a great website to see what live UV levels are and whether it is safe to be outside without sunscreen or covering up. Bear in mind that the UK rarely would go above the yellow block (5-6) even in the height of summer and you get some idea of how fierce the sun can be on skin here.

K14

Hi

I've got fair skin and am in the "dot to dot" category. I had 2 moles removed in the UK 20 years ago and the dermatologist told me to wear sunscreen in the UK between May and October. So now we're in Oz and under the Ozone hole we follow the advice from the skin cancer bods.

Now we're in Oz we all put it on as part of getting up. Wear hats, stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (especially in the summer when it's 40 degrees), cover up as much as poss, stay in shade, also at the beach we wear boardies (swimming shorts) and rashies (UV protection t shirts you can swim in). I know if I didn't have the rashie on I would have burnt even with sunscreen on.

I forgot to put sunscreen on one day and went to watch my girls swimming lessons at the beach, was there for about an hour, didn't feel too hot, got really burnt.

Also, the good news is that you can get your skin checked here on Medicare (so you don't have to pay anything). I just had mine done and was fine. Supposed to go back 12-18 months for another one.

Jodee

I am an Aussie expat, moved to the USA in 2004. Being fair skinned, I have always used sunblock, with a reasonable SPF factor. When I got to the states, my now hubby commented, on the fact I put it on everyday. I told him thats all I have ever known, and its a hard habit to break, and one i dont want to break. After this weekend, when we did a carwash, and it was blistering hot in the sun, I walked away happy, and comfortable; as opposed to many pink, sore and sorry others that helped,....lol

seayork2002

Although I would rather cover up then use fake tan or sunbeds. It looks ridiculous. I want to know where it says having a tan looks attractive.

scottishcelts

Me too, i'm quite happy with my pale blue skin