A recent analysis by health insurer iSelect reveals a concerning trend: just over one-third of Australians consistently apply sunscreen most days, even though more than half spend over 15 minutes outdoors during peak UV hours. This highlights a gap in sun safety practices across the country.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics sheds light on the protective measures Australians are taking. While a majority—54.3 percent—employ at least three strategies to shield their skin, such as wearing sunglasses, donning protective clothing, sporting hats, or seeking shade, only 38.3 percent regularly use SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Experts like Guiterrez express serious concern over these findings, warning that deliberate sun exposure without adequate protection significantly heightens the risk of long-term skin damage. The study also uncovered that nearly seven percent of Australians have suffered sunburn, further underscoring the need for improved sun safety habits.

In an effort to identify which regions are leading in sun safety, iSelect delved into the ABS data to evaluate sun protection practices across different areas of Australia. This analysis aims to spotlight regions that are setting a positive example in safeguarding against the sun’s harmful effects.

“The study also revealed that nearly seven per cent of Australians had also experienced a sunburn.”

iSelect analysed the ABS data to see which regions are the most sun-safe overall.

It found the Australian Capital Territory had the best sun-safe behaviour, despite having only moderate to high levels of UV and average sunshine hours.

The ACT was followed by the Greater Darwin region and the Greater Brisbane region, where residents were more likely to be aware of the extreme UV risk.

Sun safety was worst in Tasmania, where the UV risk is lower.