Australia recently marked National Skin Cancer Action Week (16th November until 22nd November). And presented the perfect reminder that sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. With summer around the corner, it’s tempting to think cloudy skies give your skin a break. But the truth is, skipping SPF could be doing serious long-term damage. More than one in four Australians admit they don’t wear sunscreen daily, leaving their skin exposed to UV rays even when it feels cool and grey outside.
Samara Searle, Registered Nurse and Founder of Beauty Boost, has seen firsthand what UV exposure can do. “As a nurse who’s worked in intensive care, in cosmetic aesthetics, and previously alongside plastic surgeons, I’ve seen firsthand how serious UV damage can become. I used to watch 10 or more skin cancers being cut out every day, often from the face, and the outcomes can be quite disfiguring. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays penetrate cloud cover, which means your skin is still being exposed to harmful radiation. Over time, that exposure leads to pigmentation issues, premature ageing, and, most importantly, an increased risk of skin cancer. Daily SPF is a simple but incredibly effective way to protect your long-term skin health.”
UV rays are invisible, sneaking through clouds without you feeling them. Even small, everyday doses add up over time, causing sun spots, wrinkles, and in the worst cases, skin cancers. “Long-term exposure, even in small doses, adds up. This cumulative effect is what causes things like sun spots, wrinkles, and, in the worst cases, skin cancers. That’s why sun protection shouldn’t be seasonal, it should be year-round.”
Different skin types need different levels of protection. Samara tailors her advice depending on the individual. “For fair or sensitive skin, I usually recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 50, with more frequent reapplication, especially during prolonged sun exposure. For darker skin tones, while visible sunburn may be less common, UV damage still occurs at a cellular level, so daily SPF is just as critical. Also, don’t forget vulnerable areas like the scalp, neck, ears, and hands – I’ve seen many patients miss those.”
Many Aussies still make the same SPF mistakes, and Samara knows exactly what they are. “The biggest mistakes I see are skipping SPF on overcast days, applying too little, and forgetting spots like the back of the neck or hands. To avoid this, make SPF part of your daily routine, emphasising the importance just like brushing your teeth, and consider multi-tasking products, such as moisturisers with built-in SPF or makeup with SPF for extra coverage.”
Sunscreen is only part of the story. Protecting your skin means building habits that work together. “Seek shade during peak UV hours, wear hats and UV-protective clothing, and maintain a nutrient-rich skincare routine with antioxidants to help combat free radical damage e.g., vitamin C serum. Hydration, gentle cleansing, and regular exfoliation also support your skin’s resilience. Think of SPF as your armour, and these habits as ongoing maintenance for healthy skin.”
Making SPF part of your morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Moisturisers with SPF, makeup with built-in protection, and mindful coverage of often-missed areas can make sun safety feel effortless. The benefits are huge: fewer pigmentation issues, slower ageing, and most importantly, a lower risk of skin cancer – something every Australian should take seriously.
As the sun warms our skies, Samara’s advice is simple: cloudy days aren’t sunscreen-free days. By treating SPF as a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare, you’re investing in your future skin – and giving yourself the ultimate gift of protection.