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Several studies have shown that sunscreen use has minimal impact on Vitamin D levels over time. To check UV levels and the times sun protection is required, look at the UV Index in the weather section of your daily newspaper, on the Bureau of Meteorology website or download Cancer Council's free SunSmart app to your mobile device. When UV levels are below 3 no UV Alert is issued.
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If you live in an area where the UV Index falls below 3 during these months, you do not require sun protection, unless you are at high altitudes or near highly reflective surfaces like snow, work outdoors, or are outside for extended periods. In some southern areas of Australia, there are times of the year when sun protection may not be necessary, generally late autumn and winter. In these areas, it is safe to go outside without sun protection early morning and late afternoon when the UV Index falls below 3.
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UV radiation levels in northern areas of Australia are generally higher than in southern areas, so in some parts of the country, sun protection is needed all year round, whenever the UV Index is 3 or higher. Sunscreen should be incorporated into your daily morning routine on these days. Sun protection is recommended when the UV Index is 3 or above, or when spending extended periods of time outdoors. gardening or going for a brisk walk) also helps boost vitamin D levels. In late autumn and winter in some southern parts of Australia, when the UV Index falls below 3, spend time outdoors in the middle of the day with some skin uncovered. When the UV Index is 3 or above (such as during summer), most people maintain adequate vitamin D levels just by spending a few minutes outdoors on most days of the week. UV radiation levels vary depending on location, time of year, time of day, cloud coverage and the environment.įor most people, adequate vitamin D levels are reached through regular incidental exposure to the sun. The best source of vitamin D is UVB radiation from the sun. How much sun do we need for healthy bones? We need vitamin D to maintain good health and to keep bones and muscles strong and healthy.
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Vitamin D forms in the skin when it is exposed to UV from sunlight. Sensible sun protection does not put people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. In Australia, we need to balance the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure with maintaining adequate vitamin D levels. The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is both the major cause of skin cancer and the best source of vitamin D.
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