Melbourne weather in November can change several times in an afternoon. A grey, breezy morning makes it easy to leave the hat at home and skip sunscreen. The temperature, though, tells you very little about how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is reaching your skin. The UV Index is a far more useful guide, and it takes less than a minute to check.
What the UV Index Measures
The UV Index describes the strength of the sun's UV radiation on a scale that starts at zero. SunSmart groups the levels as low (1 to 2), moderate (3 to 5), high (6 to 7), very high (8 to 10) and extreme (11 and above).
UV can't be seen or felt, which is why a number helps. By the time skin feels burnt, the damage has already been done.
Why Three Is the Number to Watch
SunSmart and Cancer Council recommend sun protection whenever the UV Index is 3 or above. In Victoria, that is usually the case from mid-August to the end of April. By November, most days in Melbourne will include a stretch of time when protection is recommended, even if the day feels mild.
Cool or Cloudy Does Not Mean Low UV
UV is not related to temperature. According to SunSmart, UV levels can be harmful on cool, cloudy days as well as warm, sunny ones. UV and temperature also tend to peak at different times of day, so the hottest part of the afternoon is not necessarily when UV is strongest.
Light or scattered cloud may do little to reduce UV. Wind doesn't reduce it either, and SunSmart points out that what many people call windburn is actually sunburn.
During daylight saving, UV is generally highest between about 11am and 3pm. That window covers the lunchtime walk, the school pick-up and a weekend coffee outside. None of these feel like sun exposure, yet together they add up over a season.
How to Check Sun Protection Times
Sun protection times show the hours when UV is forecast to reach 3 or above. You can find them in the free SunSmart Global UV app, on the Bureau of Meteorology website and in many weather apps. A quick look before you leave the house makes it easier to decide what to take with you.
What This Means for Your Face
Your face, ears and neck are exposed on almost every outing, so they are worth building into a daily habit. On days when UV is forecast to reach 3 or above, many people find it easiest to apply sunscreen as the final step of their morning skincare.
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen with a texture you are happy to wear every day. SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF50 is a lightweight option designed for the face. Whichever product you use, follow the label directions, apply generously and reapply when you are outdoors for longer periods.
Sunscreen works best alongside the other forms of sun protection: protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, shade and sunglasses. A cap leaves the ears and neck exposed, so a wider brim is the better choice when you'll be outside for a while.
Where Skincare Fits
Some people also use an antioxidant serum in the morning beneath their sunscreen. It can be a helpful part of a routine, although it doesn't replace sunscreen or the other forms of sun protection. Our skincare range includes options for different skin types if you are reviewing your routine for the warmer months.
If You Have Recent or Planned Treatments
Some in-clinic treatments call for extra care with sun exposure in the weeks around each appointment. If you are considering a laser, peel or light-based treatment over the coming months, mention your outdoor plans early. Your practitioner can then advise on timing and aftercare that suit your situation.
Make the Forecast Part of Your Morning
Checking the UV can become as automatic as checking whether you need an umbrella. If you would like advice on a daily sun-care routine that suits your skin, you are welcome to make an appointment with our team in Port Melbourne.
