9 sun safety myths that could be harming your skin

Construction worker with beard wearing hat and sunglasses looking at book.


Published March 2026
Expert contributor: Dr Nedeljka Rosic, Southern Cross University
Words by Donnay Torr


Think you’re sun safe? Don’t fall for these common myths about sunscreen, tanning, skin cancer and more.

Daily doses of sunshine like mowing the lawn, walking the dog, picking the kids up from school or doing the grocery run may seem harmless, but they build up over time and can cause lasting skin damage.

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world – around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. But a 2024 Cancer Council survey found only half of us use three or more forms of sun protection when exposed to the sun during peak UV times, even though daily protection is recommended year-round.

“In Australia, the causality between sun exposure and melanoma is clear,” explains Dr Nedeljka Rosic, a multidisciplinary researcher at Southern Cross University, whose work includes a focus on skin protection using natural marine sunscreens.

“We have a high UV index throughout the year, extreme during summer months. Melanoma is our third most common cancer. We may love our sunny weather but must be aware of the cancer-causing impact of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.”

What is UV radiation?

The sun gives off UVA, UVB and UVC rays. The ozone layer blocks UVC rays, but when UVA or UVB hits our skin, it can damage DNA in skin cells. This damage builds over time, increasing the risk of skin cancers like melanoma.

Even if you don’t burn, UV can damage the skin. It can also lead to sun spots, premature skin ageing and wrinkles.

Factors like latitude and clear skies mean Australia’s UV levels are often higher than other countries’ levels. Even outside summer and on cloudy days, UV can be strong enough to harm unprotected skin. The Cancer Council recommends using sun protection when UV levels are 3 or above, or if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.

Common myths about sun safety

You might think you know what good sun protection looks like, but Dr Rosic says there are several common (and harmful) myths about sun safety you should be aware of.

Myth 1: You can’t get sunburnt on cloudy days

UV radiation can penetrate even thick cloud cover. On average, clouds reduce clear-sky UV by only about 30%. Check the UV index each morning using an app like SunSmart or WillyWeather, or a website like arpansa.gov.au: “Always be sun safe, but add extra protection on days when the UV rating is 3 or above,” says Dr Rosic.

Myth 2: Tanning is safe, as long as you don’t burn

If you’ve ever Googled ‘how to tan safely’, the answer is you can’t. A tan isn’t healthy – it’s a sign of skin damage. It increases your skin cancer risk and can accelerate skin ageing.

“I’ve even heard educated people ignoring the facts, saying ‘I can’t see the danger, so it’s not happening’. And when you’re young, you think you won’t age, but there’s a clear link between sun exposure and ageing,” says Dr Rosic.

Myth 3: The darker your skin tone, the more you’re protected

People with more pigmented skin do have more natural sun protection, but only up to a point. “People with very fair skin are the most sensitive. But even people with very dark skin are at risk if they’re exposed to high UV for long periods,” explains Dr Rosic.

Early detection can also be harder for people with darker skin tones, so regular skin checks are essential.

Myth 4: You don’t need sunscreen if you’re in the shade or indoors

UV rays can reflect off water, sand, snow, metal, concrete and even grass – so being under shade won’t completely protect you. Glass can reduce but does not fully block UV, meaning being indoors or in your car isn’t guaranteed protection, either.

Myth 5: Wearing make-up or moisturiser with SPF is enough

Beauty products with SPF can give some protection, but they usually aren’t broad-spectrum and are rarely applied in the thick, even layer that's needed. Many aren’t water-resistant, either. Carefully read product labels and don’t rely on them as your sole source of sun protection.

Myth 6: SPF50 protects you for longer than SPF30

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a sunscreen indicates how much UVB radiation is filtered (when applied correctly), not how long you can be in the sun. SPF30 is estimated to filter 96.7% of UVB radiation, while SPF50 is estimated to filter 98%.

“Sunscreen works by absorbing or scattering UV. The SPF number tells you the strength of that absorption or scattering,” says Dr Rosic. “Sweat, humidity, friction and swimming all reduce protection, so reapplying every two hours is essential.”

Sunscreen also breaks down over time, especially if stored somewhere hot like a car. “Always have fresh product instead of trying to make it last forever. And remember, when the UV index is high, even SPF50 needs backup from shade and protective clothing.”

Myth 7: Avoiding the sun causes vitamin D deficiency

You don’t need hours of sun to get your daily dose of vitamin D. When the UV index is 3 or above, just a few minutes outside most days is usually enough. When it’s below 3, spending time outdoors in the middle of the day with some skin exposed can help. If you’re concerned about your levels, have a chat with your GP.

Myth 8: Skin cancer only affects older people

They may be more common with age, but skin cancers don’t start in older age – UV damage builds over a lifetime. Australian data shows melanoma is the most common cancer in Australians.

Myth 9: If you ignore it, it will go away

Prevention and early detection save lives. Dr Rosic shares her husband’s diagnosis of a stage 2 melanoma: “He thought it was just a freckle,” she says. “Even the doctor said it was the tiniest melanoma he’d ever seen! It was only 2mm in diameter but had already gone into the dermis.”

Many spots appear on areas we don’t see, like the backs of legs, so regular skin checks matter. “Once a year at least. My husband goes every six months. Professionals have better eyes than us.”

How to be sun smart

Australia’s high skin cancer rate is partly due to our lifestyle with so many of us working and enjoying the outdoors. “Sun damage is cumulative – the mutations that cause cancers happen over time,” says Dr Rosic.

For the best sun protection, the Cancer Council recommends:

  • SLIP on clothing that covers arms, legs and shoulders.
  • SLOP on SPF50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or after swimming or sweating). Use about 1 teaspoon per limb, plus face, neck and ears – 7 to 9 teaspoons per application.
  • SLAP on a wide-brim hat that covers your face, nose, neck and ears.
  • SEEK shade.
  • SLIDE on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards.

And use the UV index to help plan your day. “I tell my kids we don’t swim at 12pm. Up to 10am is perfect; 11am at the latest,” advises Dr Rosic.

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