Sun Protection Tips for Life on the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is one of Victoria's most beautiful regions, and outdoor living is a big part of life here. But with that comes significant UV exposure — and UV radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer in Australia.

Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. Cancer Council Australia's five-step sun protection message is still the gold standard. Slip on sun-protective clothing, slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on UV-protective sunglasses.

Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating. Don't forget easy-to-miss areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.

UV radiation is present even on cool or cloudy days. In Victoria, UV levels are high enough to cause skin damage for most of the year. Check the UV index on the Bureau of Meteorology website or the SunSmart app before heading outside.

Children's skin is particularly vulnerable. Establishing good sun protection habits early is one of the best things you can do for your child's long-term skin health.

If you have concerns about sun damage or would like a professional skin check, our team at Balnarring Skin Clinic is here to help.