We Australians are a race of sun-worshippers and rush to expose our bodies to the warmth of the sun as we lie on the beach, around a home pool or even working in the garden.
But, for most of us, sun tanning presents a hazard. Our genes are derived from ancestors who lived in northern Europe and had fair skin.
Genetically, we have not had long enough living in this different climate to develop a darker skin color. Those of us who are naturally more olive skinned or who come from Southern Europe have better protection but we all need to exercise care.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun stimulate the pigment-producing cells in the skin to produce melanin which leads to tanning, but fairer skin contains little pigment and its ability to produce it under the stimulation of ultraviolet light is limited. These rays can damage the skin and cause both acute and chronic changes.
Ultraviolet or UV rays can penetrate cloud layers and so affect the skin even on overcast days. They can be reflected from water or sand and sneak up on you even as you cringe under a beach umbrella.
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