Photography: Sue Ferris
You’ve pulled on your gardening gloves and grabbed the secateurs, but have you reached for the sunscreen? Even in winter, Australian gardeners are exposed to UV levels that can cause damage.
“Sunscreen is crucial in Australia. Decades of research has shown that using sunscreen, along with other sun-protective measures, helps reduce the risk of sunburn, skin damage and, ultimately, skin cancer,” says Kerith Barnett, Product Development Manager at Natio. We look at three common questions about sunscreen.
Do I need to wear sunscreen while gardening in winter?
It’s cold, it’s overcast, surely you don’t need to worry about sunscreen? Well, it depends. If the UV Index is 3 or higher you do need to apply sunscreen if you’re going outside for more than a few minutes, ideally SPF 50 or higher. In many areas of Australia the UV will hit 3 or above even in winter.
“Ultraviolet (UV) light is a known carcinogen – it causes skin cancer,” says Associate Professor Deshan Sebaratnam, dermatologist at The Skin Hospital. “In Australia, even in winter, sufficient ultraviolet radiation reaches us and can contribute to skin cancer and skin ageing. The sneaky thing about UV is that you can’t see it and you can’t feel it. So even on days that are cold or overcast, UV can still reach the skin, causing damage,” he says.
To find out the UV Index in your area, download the free SunSmart Global UV app.
Will I get enough vitamin D with sunscreen on?
UV is important for your body’s production of vitamin D, which supports bone strength and your immune system. But sun protection measures still apply.
“Even with sunscreen, enough UV reaches our skin for us to synthesise vitamin D. All the time we spend outdoors doing little things, for example walking from the carpark to the shops, exposes us to UV,” Associate Professor Sebaratnam explains.
What’s the best sunscreen for me?
When it comes to choosing your sunscreen, look for onewith an SPF 30 rating or higher, and the words “broad spectrum”, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Then it comes down to picking one you like. Natio has a range of options to suit you:
How to stay sun safe in the garden
Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection. You should also stay in the shade if possible, wear a hat, shirt and sunglasses, and avoid prolonged high-risk exposure. Reapply sunscreen frequently according to directions.
This article was produced in partnership with Natio.
