The Sun Zapper blog

Sun safety hub.

Straightforward reading on UV, SPF and zinc, and on staying sun-smart under the Australian sun, from a zinc brand that's been at it since 1995.

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Sun safety in a minute

Know your UV index.

UV is what burns you, not heat. Cancer Council recommends sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or above, which in most of Australia is most of the year, even on cool or cloudy days.

  1. 1–2 Low Sun protection usually not needed, unless you're near snow or water, or outside for a long time.
  2. 3–5 Moderate Protect yourself: clothing, sunscreen, a hat, shade and sunglasses.
  3. 6–7 High Use all five steps and take extra care around the middle of the day.
  4. 8–10 Very high Get into shade through the middle of the day and cover up fully.
  5. 11+ Extreme Stay indoors through the middle of the day if you can.

Check the daily UV forecast in the free SunSmart app or on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Slip, slop, slap, seek, slide

  • Slip

    Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

  • Slop

    Slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, 20 minutes before you go outside, and reapply every 2 hours.

  • Slap

    Slap on a broad-brimmed hat to shade your face, ears and neck.

  • Seek

    Seek shade.

  • Slide

    Slide on wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard.

Cancer Council's five sun-protection steps. Sand, water and snow reflect UV, so beach days and snow trips need extra care.

Pack the zinc

Sun-smart starts with zinc.

Sticks for noses, cheeks and ears, creams for everywhere else. Made in Australia since 1995.

Shop zinc sticksShop Pure Zinc