Happy New Year, welcome to 2023 and summer! Along with a new year comes the higher temperatures so we must all remember to be sun smart and this includes wearing a hat while out in the sun.

To protect the skin from solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, Cancer Council recommends wearing a hat that offers protection to the face, back of the neck, eyes and ears when UV levels reach 3 and above, in Alpine areas or if spending extended time outdoors.

 

So which hats are best? Broad-brimmed, bucket (with deep crown) and legionnaire-style hats all provide adequate protection from UV radiation, providing they fit correctly. Baseball or peaked caps and sun visors are not recommended as they leave the ears, side of the face and the back of the neck exposed – common areas for skin cancers.

Always wear a hat with other forms of sun protection: shade, clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.