Coastal News

Health & Wellness



By Sophie Stockman  I  The Ideas Suite

Despite the plentiful campaigns around sun safety – such as the famous ‘slip slop slap’ now expanded to include ‘seek (shade) and slide’[1] – new research has revealed that the messages might not be getting through to a significant minority of Aussies, who don’t always know fact from fiction when it comes to sun protection.

 

Entity Health (entity-health.com), a line of Australian-made natural health supplements that address specific health and skin conditions at a cellular level, commissioned an independent, nationally representative survey of 1008 Australians. It presented respondents with 10 false statements about sun health and skin health and asked them which they think to be true.

 

One third (33 per cent) of respondents think that wearing SPF 50+ sunscreen means you can stay in the sun longer than if you are wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen. However, there is only a marginal difference between the two – SPF 30 filters about 96.7 per cent of UV radiation while SPF 50 filters 98 per cent.[2]

 

A quarter (25 per cent) of those in their 30s also don’t realise that sitting in the sun without sunscreen for 30 minutes is harmful to their skin. While sunburn isn’t always instantly felt, signs of it can start in as little as 15 minutes – such as skin being warm or hot to touch and feeling thirsty – with skin turning red within hours of being burnt.

 

Nearly one in four 18-39 year olds (21 per cent) incorrectly think being outdoors without sunscreen on an overcast day is not damaging to their skin. However, 68 per cent of over-40s know this can cause damage to the skin, as UV radiation – not sunlight – is what causes sunburn and can remain high even on cool or cloudy days.


While outdoor recreation and drinking goes hand in hand during Australian summers, 18 per cent of 30-somethings don’t realise this combination is damaging to their skin, compared with just 10 per cent of over 50s. Research suggests that alcohol increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.[3] Thirteen (13) per cent of respondents in their 30s incorrectly believe they don’t need to reapply sunscreen after they’ve applied it once.

The survey also asked respondents about how they dealt with sunburn. Of concern, just 10 per cent stay out of the sun in the days to follow. Younger age groups were less likely to stay out of the sun when suffering from a sunburn:  just four per cent of under 30s, compared with seven per cent of those in their 30s, eight per cent of 40-somethings, 10 per cent of those in their 50s and 19 per cent of over 60s.

When respondents were asked what remedy they use the most for sunburns, 50 per cent say aloe vera gel or moisturisers. Just 12 per cent drink more water to rehydrate.


Teri Lichtenstein, consulting dietitian at Entity Health, says: “It’s concerning to see the significant number of Aussies who aren’t aware of factors that cause damage to their skin, particularly as we are at the time of year where being outdoors is at its highest. Many forms of skin damage and cancer are preventable, but it comes down to being aware of what is harmful to the skin.  

 

“While aloe vera has long been the go-to remedy for sunburn, it was interesting to learn that just 3 per cent of respondents have used supplements that may help to repair and regenerate their skin following a sunburn. There are supplements people can take that can support skin healing and regeneration, such as a supplement containing nicotinamide as its key ingredient, a form of vitamin B3 that helps to replenish cellular energy to enable faster and more efficient DNA repair.”


MelaniX is an Entity Health product that contains the active ingredients of nicotinamide, tomato extract and zinc which repairs skin after high levels of sun exposure and damage. For more information, visit entity-health.com.au/product/melanix/ 

Which of the below scenarios do you think are true?

All Aussies

Under 30s

30-39 years

40-49 years

50-59 years

60+ years

I can stay out longer in the sun if I am wearing SPF50+ than I can with SPF30+

33%

 

32%

32%

38%

28%

35%

Sitting in the sun without sunscreen for 30 minutes is not harmful for my skin

16%

16%

25%

13%

15%

13%

Being outdoors without sunscreen on a cool or overcast day is not damaging to my skin

15%

21%

24%

12%

10%

10%

Glass windows give me some protection from the sun

14%

16%

17%

19%

9%

10%

Outdoor recreation and drinking alcohol together don’t negatively affect my skin health

9%

11%

18%

10%

4%

6%

The risk of getting melanoma triples only if I get sunburnt more than 4 times a year

7%

7%

8%

10%

5%

7%

If I have applied sunscreen once, I do not need to reapply sunscreen when I am outdoors

6%

9%

13%

5%

4%

3%

If I have olive or darker skin, I am not at risk of skin cancer

5%

6%

9%

5%

5%

2%

Fake tanning products protect my skin from the sun

3%

4%

7%

4%

2%

0%

Solariums are safer than sun exposure

3%

2%

5%

2%

3%

1%

None of the above

37%

33%

26%

30%

47%

44%

 

When you get sunburned, which remedy do you use the most?

All Aussies

Under 30s

30-39 years

40-49 years

50-59 years

60+ years

I apply aloe gel or a moisturiser to sunburnt areas

50%

62%

57%

57%

50%

33%

I drink plenty of water to rehydrate

12%

8%

9%

13%

15%

15%

I stay out of the sun in the days to follow

10%

4%

7%

8%

10%

19%

I take a cool shower or bath

6%

2%

6%

3%

9%

9%

I take a supplement that has regenerative effects

3%

5%

4%

5%

1%

0%

I completely cover sunburnt areas when going outdoors

3%

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

I do a body wrap treatment to help my skin recover

1%

2%

5%

0%

0%

0%

I take ibuprofen

1%

1%

1%

2%

2%

1%

I put ice on my skin

1%

2%

3%

1%

2%

0%

I don’t do anything

11%

12%

5%

9%

8%

16%

 

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Leaking Shower Repair Contractor

Shower leaks can be a frustrating and costly problem for homeowners. Not only can they lead to water damage and mold growth, but they can also resul...

Understanding the Causes of Blocked Drains: Insights from a Plumber

Blocked drains are a common household and commercial issue that can lead to inconvenient disruptions and, in severe cases, costly damage to property...

Gloss or Matte Tiles: What would you choose?

Welcome to the world of tile selection, where every choice adds a stroke of personality to your living space canvas. In the quest for the perfect ti...

How to Conquer Common Electrical Headaches with a Professional Electrician?

Electrical issues can be a headache for homeowners, but with the right knowledge and professional assistance, these problems can be resolved efficie...

A Laymans’ Guide to Choosing the Best Solar Solution in Australia

With its abundant sunshine, Australia offers a golden opportunity for those seeking to embrace sustainable living through off-grid solar solutions. ...

Innovative Wardrobe Sliding Doors: A Smart Storage Solution for Every Home

Introduction In the realm of contemporary interior design, space optimization remains a perpetual challenge. A clutter-free living space not only e...

5 Home Owner-Builder Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

With the warmth of an Australian summer, it's not just barbies and beach days that beckon us—it's also the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and...

The A-to-Z Guide On How Pest Control Works

Pest control is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and comfortable living or working environment. Whether you're dealing with insects, r...

"Ride-On Sweepers vs. Traditional Cleaning Methods: Pros and Cons"

The landscape of cleaning approaches has changed quite a bit over the years, bringing in more modern technologies such as ride-on sweepers. These adva...

"Maintaining Ride-On Sweepers: Essential Care and Maintenance Tips"

Ride-on sweepers make great tools in cleaning and keeping tidy large areas, be it commercial warehouses, parking lots or industrial facilities. They...

Why is There Sewage Coming Up Through the Bathtub: Causes and Solutions

Discovering sewage coming up through your bathtub is an alarming and unpleasant experience that no homeowner wants to face. This issue not only po...

Is Exploring Thailand with Multiple eSIMs a Good Idea for Travelers?

eSIMs (embedded SIM cards) have emerged as a game changer for travelers as technology advances. eSIMs have become popular among international travel...

Analysis of the Ethereum Code: Fake or Not? Which is the Most Reliable Bitcoin Exchange?

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have reshaped the global economy. They provide a distributed, trustworthy, and open system for making financial t...

Verification Check - Immediate Edge

Only tier-one brokers with a CySEC licence are accepted by Immediate Edge. These brokers handle all of the trading bot websites' transactions. An...

Health

How Do People Reverse the Impact of Sun Damage on Skin?

It’s impossible to avoid the sun completely, but there are many ways we can protect ourselves against those strong, dangerous ...

Few Things To Know Before Choosing Cheap Veneers in Sydney

Do you know that a beautiful smile can enhance the quality of life? These days, you can easily see on social media the smiling pic...

Sedation Dentistry Guide

Are you someone who gets very anxious just thinking about having to sit in a dentist's chair? If so, then you will probably pu...


Writers Wanted



NewsServices.com

Content & Technology Connecting Global Audiences

More Information - Less Opinion