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UPF and SPF:  Your questions, answered

UPF and SPF: Your questions, answered

This blog provides some answers to the most common questions we get asked about sun protection and the UPF and SPF ratings.

Which countries have the highest rates of skin cancer?

Which countries have the highest rates of skin cancer?

Australia is ranked 1st for melanoma incidence rates at 33.6 per 100,000 of population. This has equated to between 1,400 and 2,000 Australians dying from melanoma per annum in recent times. Read more.

Why it would be a mistake to dismiss non-melanoma cancer

Why it would be a mistake to dismiss non-melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma gets the headlines, and for good reason, with a mortality rate at around 10% it is far higher than all other forms of skin cancer, sitting at less than 1% overall. However, this focus on mortality rates has made people think that only melanoma is serious and that other forms of skin cancer are nothing to worry about. Read more.

Why did we decide to launch a skin check app with SkinVision and why now?

Why did we decide to launch a skin check app with SkinVision and why now?

We understand that getting an appointment with a dermatologist or skin doctor can be challenging and expensive.  We decided it would be great to bring the best early skin cancer detection technology direct to the Solbari global community.  Read more.

What has been the impact of Covid-19 on Skin Cancer detection rates?

What has been the impact of Covid-19 on Skin Cancer detection rates?

The introduction of “lockdowns”, the restriction of movement and non-essential healthcare activities being suspended have had an impact on the diagnosis of cancer cases including skin cancer.  Countries around the World are now evaluating the unintended consequences of Covid-19 restrictions on the diagnosis of cancer. Sadly, cancer related death rates are expected to increase over the coming years due to the delay in diagnosis.

Can people of colour get skin cancer?

Can people of colour get skin cancer?

Skin cancer is definitely less common for people of colour but sadly when it occurs the prognosis tends to be worse as issues are often detected at a more advanced stage.

Solbari blog: Which occupations have the highest risk of skin cancer?

Which occupations have the highest risk of skin cancer?

Any role which involves being outside for more than an hour a day means that you are routinely exposed to the sun and therefore at risk of sun burn, skin ageing and skin cancer. Over 90% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.We have listed a number of jobs which will expose you to a higher risk of sun exposure and therefore skin cancer.

Solbari blog: How many moles is deemed a high risk of skin cancer or melanoma?

How many moles is deemed a high risk of skin cancer or melanoma?

This blog confirms that someone with more than 50 common moles is deemed higher risk of skin cancer and melanoma (Source: Yale Medicine). Also, someone who has more than 10 irregular moles is 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma compared to the general population (Source: Cancer Foundation).

Solbari blog: checking your moles & why you should do it now

Checking your moles & why you should do it now

Australians love the great outdoors and our sunny skies make the Australian lifestyle one of the most envied in the world. Notwithstanding, the extensive “Slip Slop Slap” campaign, many Australians are still exposing themselves to the severity and dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It's essential to check your skin regularly. Early detection of skin cancers is very important, especially for melanoma, as the survival rate is much greater when caught early. Research shows that it can sometimes be as little as a matter of months between when a melanoma is first detected to the point where it metastasises and becomes a lot more difficult to treat.

Solbari blog: If skin cancer and melanoma is so serious why do so many people expose their skin to the sun?

If skin cancer and melanoma is so serious why do so many people expose their skin to the sun?

This blog explores the reasons why despite the alarming increase in skin cancer rates the general public continue to expose their skin to the sun without protection. Reasons put forward include low levels of awareness of skin cancer, popular culture trends, the fact that we are living longer, spending more time outdoors, and concerns about Vitamin D.

How to prevent skin ageing: according to those who should know

How to prevent skin ageing: according to those who should know

No doubt there are a number of contributing factors to skin ageing. Genetics, diet, stress levels, smoking, hydration, sleep loss all play their part but the overwhelming contributing factor is sun exposure.You don’t have to take our word for it, there are plenty of reputable institutions who will confirm this including some highlighted below.

Who should wear sun protective clothing?

Who should wear sun protective clothing?

Dermatologists recommend UPF50+ sun protective clothing and a broad brim sun hat as the first line of defence against premature skin ageing, sunburn, skin cancer and melanoma. Sunscreen with a SPF rating above 30 should be applied to skin that is directly exposed to the sun.   

Why you should wear sunscreen everyday

Why you should wear sunscreen everyday

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and it needs the best protection against the harsh effects of the environment. Constant exposure to the sun’s ultra violet (UV) rays can lead to damage to your skin such as wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. Sun damage is cumulative, which means that the damage to the skin caused by the sun’s UV rays all adds up.

Your Story Series: Meet Teresa

Your Story Series: Meet Teresa

One day my sister mentioned that the mole on my neck was getting bigger and it was all different colours. "Okay," I thought to myself, "no more ignoring the problem, it's time to get it checked!". Sure enough, it had to come out.

Why does skin peel after sun burn?

Why does skin peel after sunburn?

Your skin peels after sunburn because your body is trying to remove damaged skin cells as part of a healing process. Dermatologists would recommend that you do not attempt to pull off the dead skin cells as the skin underneath is even more sensitive to UV damage. It is best to let the skin peel naturally which could take a week or so for medium level sunburns.

Content Disclaimer: This website pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion about med­i­cine, health and related sub­jects. All content and media on the Solbari website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should seek professional advice.