By Dr Alice Rudd – Skindepth Dermatology, Skin Clinic St Kilda East Melbourne

UV radiation is the leading cause of cancer worldwide, and in Australia, skin cancer accounts for 80% of all new cancer diagnoses. At Skindepth Dermatology in St Kilda East Melbourne, we are committed to educating patients on the real risks — and the most effective ways to stay protected.

It continues to surprise me how many people worry about preservatives in food, nanoparticles in sunscreen, or so-called “toxins” in skincare — while ignoring the scientifically proven danger of UV radiation.

The Facts: Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer

According to Cancer Council Victoria, sunburn causes 95% of melanomas. The evidence is overwhelming — UV exposure is the most preventable cause of skin cancer. So, if you're serious about protecting your skin, daily sunscreen use should be non-negotiable.

But What About Vitamin D?

Many people ask, "Don’t I need sun for Vitamin D?"
The Cancer Council Victoria recommends supplements instead. That’s because there’s no universally safe level of UV exposure that guarantees adequate Vitamin D without increasing your cancer risk. In short — stay sun safe and take a supplement if needed.

Understanding SPF: What the Numbers Actually Mean

At Skindepth, we encourage all our patients to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ — and here’s why:

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun without burning, compared to no protection.

• For example:

  • If your skin burns in 2 minutes unprotected, SPF 15 offers 30 minutes of protection.

  • SPF 50+ gives you over 1.5 hours of safe exposure.

Importantly, SPF protects against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and skin damage.

There’s No Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen

Daily SPF use isn’t just for the beach. Whether it’s cloudy, you're indoors near windows, or simply walking to the car — UV rays are still present.

At Skindepth Dermatology, led by Dr Alice Rudd, we’re passionate about preventative skin care and early detection of skin cancers. We encourage all our patients to treat sunscreen as a daily essential, not just a summer accessory.

Protect your skin, protect your future.
Visit Skindepth, your trusted skin clinic in St Kilda East Melbourne, for personalised skincare advice and professional sun protection guidance.