BLOG Your sunscreen and sun protection guide for summer 2026

Summer in Australia is all about sunshine, beaches, and the outdoors. But with our intense UV levels, protecting your skin isn’t optional — it’s essential. This guide will help you understand why sun protection matters, how sunscreen works, and answer the most common questions Australians ask about staying safe in the sun.

Why is sun protection important?

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally. According to the Cancer Council, two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. UV radiation from the sun is the main culprit, and it can damage your skin even on cloudy or cooler days.

Sun protection isn’t just about avoiding sunburn — it’s about reducing your risk of skin cancer and preventing premature ageing. UV rays not only break down collagen in your skin, leading to wrinkles and pigmentation, but it can also damage your skin DNA, increasing the risk of skin cancers.

What are the different types of UV rays?

UVA rays are not absorbed by ozone and can go through windows and clouds. UVA rays penetrate the skin more, causing an immediate tanning effect and can also cause sunburn. They can indirectly damage your skin DNA.

UVB rays are partially absorbed by ozone and partially filtered by clouds. They do not pass through windows. UVB rays damage the outermost layers of your skin and cause direct damage to your skin DNA. The effects of UVB are usually delayed and overexposure can lead to sunburn. There are also UVC rays, which while very dangerous, are fortunately completely filtered by ozone and do not reach the ground.

Protecting your skin from UV radiation means healthier skin now, and healthier-looking skin later.

Community pharmacies across Australia offer a range of sun protection products and personalised advice to help you choose the right sunscreen and skin products for your skin type and lifestyle. Learn more about these services and search for nearby community pharmacies offering them here.

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreen acts as a barrier against UV radiation. There are two main types:

• Physical (mineral) sunscreens: These sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays.
• Chemical sunscreens: These absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat.

Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Water-resistant formulas are ideal for swimming or sweating, but remember they still need reapplication.

Can you tan with sunscreen on?

Yes, you can tan while wearing sunscreen, but it will happen more slowly. Sunscreen filters out most harmful UV rays, but not all of them. That means some UV exposure still occurs, which can lead to tanning — and unfortunately, skin damage.

The truth is tanning is your skin’s response to injury. It’s not a sign of health. Every time you tan, you increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate ageing. So, while sunscreen reduces the harm, the safest option is to avoid tanning altogether.

What about vitamin D?

UVB rays help produce vitamin D in your skin, but you shouldn’t overdo it. Adequate vitamin D is usually maintained with only a few minutes sun exposure when the UV index is 3 or above, such as hanging out the clothes.

The risk of vitamin D deficiency may be greater for some skin types, older people or those living in a colder climate where you are more covered up for longer periods. There are also other sources of vitamin D including foods such as fatty fish (e.g. salmon, sardines), egg yolks and mushrooms.

You can also take vitamin D supplements if needed. Your pharmacist can help make sure you maintain adequate vitamin D levels while protecting your skin from sun damage.

How long does sunscreen last?

Most sunscreens protect you for about two hours, but this depends on your activity. Swimming, sweating, and towel drying all reduce effectiveness. Reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating — even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.

Tip: Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside to allow it to bind properly to your skin for optimal protection.

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes, sunscreen expires. It is also affected by heat. Both can result in the sunscreen’s active ingredients breaking down. Using expired or heat-affected sunscreen can leave you unprotected.

Always check the expiry date on the packaging and store sunscreen in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it exposed to the sun or high heat for extended periods. If it’s past its use-by date or has changed in texture or smell, it’s time to replace it.

Other ways to protect your skin

Sunscreen is just one part of the picture. Combine it with:

• Protective clothing: clothing that covers arms and legs, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
• Shade: Seek shade during peak UV hours (10 am to 3 pm).
• Regular skin checks: Early detection saves lives. Have an annual skin check with a health professional and always check out any unexplained changes to your skin. Some community pharmacies offer convenient skin checks to help you monitor changes and catch issues early.

FAQ recap

Can you tan with sunscreen on? Yes, but tanning is still damaging to the skin.

How long does sunscreen last? About two hours; reapply after swimming or sweating.

Does sunscreen expire? Yes—check the date and replace if expired.

Stay sun safe

Visit your local community pharmacy for expert advice, sun protection products, and skin checks. Find out more about sun protection and skin checks today.