Smart Summer Health: Protecting Your Skin & Staying Cool this Summer

Written By Tangiwai Kurei

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalised guidance, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Australia’s sunshine is beautiful - but it’s biologically intense. With some of the world’s highest UV levels and frequent heat extremes, taking sun and hydration seriously isn’t optional, it’s preventive healthcare.

Sun Safety: Your #1 Summer Health Priority

In Australia, UV exposure isn’t correlated with temperature - you can burn on a cool or cloudy day. UV radiation causes cumulative skin damage that builds silently over decades

Sun-smart essentials:

  • SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen: Applied liberally, every 2 hours (or after swimming/sweating).

  • Use protective clothing: Long sleeves, UPF fabrics, broad brimmed hats, UV filtering sunglasses.

  • Avoid peak UV times: when UV index is 3 or greater.

  • Check daily UV levels: Using a reliable source like the free Australian The Bureau of Meteorology website

Skin Cancer Checks: Prevention is Powerful

Given that Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, early detection and regular skin checks can make a major difference.

What you can do:

  • Regularly visit a GP or Dermatologist for skin-cancer screening, especially if you have fair skin, many moles, or a history of sunburns

  • Perform self-checks (e.g. look for new or changing moles/spots) and see your doctor if anything looks unusual. The Cancer Council site provides advice on when to see a doctor.”

For full official guidance on sun-safety, sunscreen use and protective behaviour, see the site of Cancer Council Australia (Cancer Council): “Be SunSmart - sun protection guideline” page. It includes guidance on sunsceen, protective clothing, UV index awareness, and how to check for skin changes.

Hydration & Health Health: Respect the heat

Heat-related illness can escalate fast and hydration is your frontline defence.

Hydration habits

  • Drink water regularly - don’t wait until you’re thirsty

  • Increase fluid intake - if you’re active, sweating, or outside for long periods

  • Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol during hot periods - they can dehydrate you

  • Keep an eye on vulnerable people - older adults, infants/children, outdoor workers, anyone with chronic illness

Warning signs of heat stress: headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or sudden lack of sweating.

Protect Your Skin with Kirribilli Doctors

At Kirribilli Doctors, we believe that proactive care is the foundation of lifelong health. Our GPs are here to support you in protecting your skin and your overall wellbeing, whether that means a comprehensive skin cancer check, guidance on mole changes, personalised sun-safety advice, or strategies to stay well-hydrated through the heat.

If you’ve noticed a new or changing spot, or it’s simply time for your routine skin review, we encourage you to book an appointment with our team.

Early detection and good preventive habits can make all the difference. Your health and comfort matter to us - and together, we’ll keep you sun-safe and summer strong.

Dr Chad Lim

is expert at skin cancer checks, investigations with biopsies and treatment of skin conditions. Book an appointment with him today if you have any concerns regarding your skin.

Tangiwai Kurei
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