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When the UV Index reaches three, which is when itês strong enough to damage the skin and lead to sunburn or skin cancer, follow these five steps to become SunSmart:
•  Seek shade
• Wear protective clothing that covers your body, arms and legs
•  Put on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face and neck
•  Wear wrap-around sunglasses
•  Apply SPF30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreen should not be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.

In Melbourne, the UV Index is reaching three as early as 9.15 in the morning and lasting until as late as 5.15 in the afternoon.
Look for the SunSmart UV Alert in the weather page of your local paper or go the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au/products/uvindex_national.shtml The website provides SunSmart UV Alerts for many cities and towns across Victoria. The Alert is only issued by the Bureau when the UV Index reaches three.

 To help Victorians and visitors meet the sunburn challenge, weêve created some hints and tips to have a SunSmart, and sunburn-free, holiday. And our website is full of great information on everything from shade to sunscreen,ê added Ms Strong. The SunSmart website address is www.sunsmart.org.au

SunSmart Holiday Challenge Hints and Tips Tips for Everyone

•  Check daily newspaper weather pages or the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au/products/uvindex_national.shtml for SunSmart UV Alerts. These alerts are issued by the Bureau when the UV Index hits 3ãwhich is when you need to take action to protect your skin.
•  When the UV Index hits three or above, a combination of five sun protection measures is recommended, including:
•  Seek shade; it is the most effective form of sun protection.
•  UV radiation can be reflected by surfaces such as sand, concrete, water, or grass. Trees with thick foliage ensure maximum protection from direct UV from the sun. Even in shade, remember to use the next four measures to protect against reflected UV radiation.
•   Protect your limbs from sun damage with long-sleeved tops and long pants. Choose fabrics carefully. Remember: If you can see light through it, you can get burnt through it. Often darker fabrics offer better UV protection.
Fabrics are less protective when wet À make sure you wear a sunscreen underneath.
•   Choose a hat that protects the face, head, neck and ears. Broad-brimmed, bucket style, or legionnaire hats with a close weave fibre are all good options.
•   To protect the skin around the eyes, always wear wrap-around sunglasses when outdoors during daylight hours. The most protective sunglasses have an EPF (Eye Protection Factor) of 10.
•   Always choose a broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen, and apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors, allowing time for the protective elements to bond to your skin. Reapply all types of sunscreen at least every two hours; more often if youêre swimming or perspiring.
Most people apply too little sunscreen, which can reduce its SPF by 50 to 80 per cent. Make sure you apply at least 2mg (about one teaspoon) of sunscreen to every limb, and more on your body. 
Never rely on just one sun protection strategy. Sun protection is most effective when a combination of strategies is employed.

SunSmart Tips at home and during sport or recreational activities

•   Youêre twice as likely to get sunburnt at home than at the beach. Try to avoid spending extended periods outside when the UV Index is at or above three. Take the dog for a walk or water or weed the garden in the early morning or in the evening before the UV Index hits three.¾
•   When planting for shade, choose trees with dense foliage and a large leaf size. These plants generally offer the highest quality shade.
•   Plant trees to the north and west of where you want shade. This will ensure shade is well positioned during times when UV radiation is most intense.
•   Use temporary built shade structures while waiting for natural shade to grow.
•   Remember that swimming and perspiration reduces the effectiveness of sunscreens. Reapply sunscreen immediately after swimming, and as often as possible when playing sport to ensure the sunscreen remains effective.
•   Pay particular attention to being SunSmart on the weekendãthis is when most Australians tend to get burnt.

If you get sunburnt

•   Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
•   Stay out of direct sunlight until the redness, peeling and pain have disappeared (this will give your skin time to build  up another protective barrier of cells).
•   Apply moisturising cream as soon as itês comfortable to do so.
•   For severe sunburn, or if you experience blistering, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Early detection
•   The most important factor in surviving skin cancer is early detection.
Carefully check all your skin regularly (including areas which are not exposed to sunlight). Look for spots that have changed colour, size, or shape.

For further information - www.cancervic.org.au or the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20