Do we age faster in Australia?

1. We are a fair skinned population

The First Nations people who lived here before Australia was colonised are the rightful custodians and have the right complexion to survive this harsh land and weather. 

The majority of Australia is still a fair skinned population designed to live in climates with much less year round sun than we get. 

Is it any wonder then, that we need as little as 15 minutes in the sun in summer to burn? 

Did you know that  every sunburn increases our baseline risk of melanoma and even incidental sun exposure (not related to sunburn) damages our DNA enough to increase non melanoma cancer risk from as early as our 40s?
 

2. We have a harsh climate compared to most of the world barring the desert

On average we get 15% more UV exposure year round compared to the northern hemisphere. 

In summer, the UV index regularly exceeds 11, and goes as high as 14, similar to the UV index in places such as Dubai, where it is hot year round, and where people largely stay indoors, and dress for it,, unlike in Australia. 

In addition, unlike winters in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, where harsh winters means you might go 3-6 months with UV index < 3 (ie no need for sun avoidance) typical winter days in most parts of Australia typically are well above 3, even on cloudy and rainy days. 

The maths of this is: 3-6 months each year, over 10 years adds up to a LOT OF UNINTENDED sun exposure and photodamage, even if you never end up with skin cancer.
 

3. Sunavoidance is not part of our culture 

Unlike many parts of the world, where sun avoidance is second nature – most parts of Asia – we are a nation that loves the outdoors and the sun. 

No wonder then, that we rate as one of the highest countries with skin cancer rates, and Australians in a recent study of 1400 people, showed signs of ageing upto a decade earlier than peers in other countries. 

Why? Among the reasons: 

– we love the outdoors & can partake year round due to mild winters 

– UV rarely drops < 3 in most parts & as high as 11+ in summer typically 

Add it all up & WE ARE LITERALLY COOKED! 

All is not lost however, and whether you want to do better for the purposes of reducing your risk of skin cancers, or premature ageing, or both, it’s never too late to do better once you know better. 

It is why we are here, to help guide you in your journey; from avoiding and managing skin cancers, to reversing some of the signs of photoageing and if you want to pull out all the stops, to help you age proactively.