At Biome, much of what we do is motivated by a simple goal: supporting the long-term health of our community.
We often talk about hidden plastics and synthetic chemicals that can quietly affect wellbeing over time. But there’s another everyday exposure that receives far less attention, despite being one of the most significant and well-proven health risks in Australia: sun exposure.
Most of us tend to associate sun risk with beach days, heatwaves, or holidays — not with normal daily life. Yet the reality is that most of the sun exposure Australians receive happens in small moments: walking the dog, browsing markets, waiting for school pick-up, standing on the sidelines at sport, outdoor dining.
This is known as incidental sun exposure. And in a country with some of the highest UV levels in the world, it plays a far bigger role in our skin health than we realise.
For me personally, I haven’t always been diligent about protecting my skin. Despite growing up in Queensland and knowing the advice, I’ve often forgotten to apply sunscreen in the morning — something I’m now noticing in the form of age spots on the backs of my hands, especially with sun streaming through the car while driving! Like many of my peers, regular skin checks and treatments for sun-related skin cancers have become all too familiar.
— Tracey Bailey, Founder, Biome
Photo credit: https://www.sydney.com/articles/dog-friendly-walks-in-sydney
What is incidental sun exposure?
Incidental sun exposure is the unplanned, routine time we spend outdoors as part of daily life — not intentional sunbathing or recreation.
You might recognise some of these occasions in your routine:
- Walking the dog
- Waiting outside (school, transport, appointments)
- Gardening
- Watching sporting events
- Outdoor work breaks
- Farmers markets, running errands, community events
- Driving the car
Individually, these moments feel minor. Together, they account for a significant proportion of our total sun exposure. And they are more likely to be the times we go without sun protection.
How much incidental sun exposure do Australians get?
There's no number for average daily incidental sun exposure. Instead, Australian health authorities assess UV levels, behaviour patterns, and cumulative risk.
What’s well established is that:
- Australia experiences high to extreme UV levels for much of the year.
- UV damage can occur during short periods of unprotected exposure.
- Most Australians spend time outdoors every day, even briefly.
The Cancer Council Australia consistently emphasises that multiple short exposures across a day contribute meaningfully to lifetime UV damage, not just time spent sunbathing.
Why incidental sun exposure is higher risk in Australia
Australia’s geography, climate, and typically clear skies mean UV radiation levels are often high — even when it’s cool, windy, or cloudy.
⚠️ UV levels above 3 are considered unsafe, and in many parts of Australia, including Queensland, levels above 3 occur almost every day of the year!
Couple that with the Australian lifestyle involving a lot of outdoor time woven into daily life — from school to sport, work, commuting and socialising.
As a result, incidental exposure forms a larger part of overall UV risk in Australia than in many other countries. Find some links below to download the UV checker app to your phone. 👇🏽
How quickly can sun damage occur?
On days with high or extreme UV levels unprotected skin can begin to sustain UV damage in as little as 10–15 minutes.
This damage isn’t always visible. It may not cause immediate sunburn, but it still contributes to:
- Premature skin ageing
- Pigmentation changes - particularly on your hands, arms, face and decollage and chest area
- Increased skin cancer risk over time
Reducing incidental sun exposure: A SunSmart, layered approach
Australian Government–endorsed SunSmart advice is based on decades of research and promotes layered sun protection, recognising that no single method is sufficient on its own.
The core SunSmart recommendations are to use these together:
- Slip on protective clothing
- Slop on SPF sunscreen
- Slap on a hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses
At Biome, we support a SunSmart, layered approach to protection.
We offer SPF-rated zinc sunscreens for reliable UV protection, while also championing physical barriers — because they reduce UV exposure without needing frequent reapplication.
Physical barriers don’t wash off, don’t break down in the sun, and help reduce overall reliance on sunscreen and chemicals — especially for skin exposed day after day.
Physical sun protection we recommend
Protective clothing and accessories, such as IceRays arm sleeves and hand covers, help shield commonly exposed areas like arms and hands during daily activities.
Hats and sunglasses protect the face, eyes, and neck — areas that receive frequent incidental sun exposure. Don't forget children's sunglasses too.
Portable shade, including UV-blocking umbrellas such as Blunt umbrellas, are especially useful when shade isn’t built into everyday environments. Blunt UV umbrellas have a double layer of fabric so they create cooler shade than standard brollies.
Habits to stay SunSmart
The key is shifting sun protection from something we do occasionally to something we do consistently.
→ Check the daily UV index, not just the temperature. The SunSmart Global UV app uses Bureau of Meteorology data to show when protection is needed.
☀️ Download the SunSmart Global UV app
→ Use sunscreen on exposed skin when UV levels are 3 or above (which is most days in many parts of Australia).
→ Keep a sunscreen bottle or tube right near your front door!
→ Solmates refillable roll-on sunscreen applicators are easy to carry with you.
→ Seek shade whenever possible — every moment counts.
→ Wear hats and sunglasses as everyday accessories, not just at the beach.
FAQs: Common questions about incidental sun exposure in Australia
What’s the difference between UVA and UVB — and why does it matter?
UVA and UVB are both types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but they affect the skin in different ways.
UVA penetrates deeper into the skin, contributes to long-term skin damage and ageing
UVB affects the outer layers of skin and is the main cause of sunburn.
Both UVA and UVB increase the risk of skin cancer, which is why the Cancer Council Australia recommends broad spectrum sunscreen and a layered approach using sunscreen, clothing, hats, sunglasses, and shade.
Does sun exposure through a car window cause skin damage?
Yes. UVA radiation can penetrate car windscreens and windows, meaning your skin is still exposed while driving.
Car windscreens are made from laminated glass, which blocks most UVB rays and is why driving rarely causes sunburn. However, UVA can still penetrate, contributing to long-term skin damage.
UVA rays are responsible for premature skin ageing, pigmentation, and increased skin cancer risk, particularly on areas commonly exposed during driving such as the face, hands, and arms.
Side windows often allow more UVA through unless they are specially treated or tinted. This can result in noticeable sun damage — including sunburn — on the driver’s arm!
Is the UV index high in Australia all year round?
In most of Australia the UV Index reaches 3 or above for much of the year, meaning sun protection is recommended on most days, not just in summer.
Even in winter, cities such as Brisbane and Darwin often have UV above 3, while Melbourne and Hobart may dip below 3 only in the coolest months. During summer, average UV levels across much of the country commonly reach 8–11+ (very high to extreme), and values above 11 are typical at many locations at midday in summer.
Is Queensland one of the highest UV regions in the world?
Yes. Queensland regularly experiences very high to extreme UV levels, among the highest recorded in populated regions globally.
Is sunscreen enough for everyday sun exposure?
Sunscreen is important, but Australian SunSmart advice recommends combining sunscreen with clothing, hats, sunglasses, and shade for best protection.
Is basal cell carcinoma (BCC) a skin cancer?
Yes. Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. It rarely spreads but can cause significant local damage and often requires medical treatment.
Why do Australians get so much skin cancer?
Australia’s high UV levels, outdoor lifestyle, and cumulative sun exposure over time are key contributing factors.
Can I get sunburnt in the shade?
Yes. You can still get sunburnt in the shade because UV radiation can be scattered and reflected off surfaces such as sand, water, concrete, and grass. Shade reduces direct UV exposure but does not block it completely, especially in high-UV environments like Australia.
Why did I get sunburnt under my Cool Cabana?
Beach shelters, beach tents, beach umbrellas and cabanas provide shade but do not block all UV radiation. UV can reach the skin from the sides and below due to atmospheric scattering and reflection of the sun's rays from sand and water, which is why SunSmart advice recommends combining shade with sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats.
Is sun exposure getting worse in Australia because of climate change?
Climate change does not increase UV radiation itself, but hotter temperatures and longer outdoor seasons mean Australians may be exposed to high UV for longer periods each year.
Is it safe to wear sunscreen every day, even with concerns about ingredients?
Yes. Australian health authorities recommend using sunscreen daily when the UV index is 3 or above because excessive UV exposure is a proven cause of skin cancer, and sunscreen is an effective, evidence-based protection tool.
Concerns about sunscreen ingredients are understandable, particularly with frequent use. That’s why SunSmart advice emphasises a layered approach — combining sunscreen with hats, clothing, sunglasses, and shade — to reduce overall sunscreen reliance while still protecting skin. When used as directed, the benefits of sunscreen far outweigh any known risks, especially in Australia’s high-UV environment.
What is incidental sun exposure?
Incidental sun exposure is the everyday, unplanned time spent outdoors — such as walking, waiting, or doing errands — rather than intentional sunbathing or recreation.
How long does it take to get sun damage in Australia?
On days with high or extreme UV levels, unprotected skin can begin to sustain UV damage in as little as 10–15 minutes.
Can you get sun damage without getting sunburnt?
Yes. UV damage can occur without visible sunburn and may build up gradually over time.
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