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What fabrics are good for sensitive skin?
This blog outlines which fabric types are best suited to those with chronic skin conditions including psoriasis, lupus and eczema. Natural fabrics including cotton and bamboo are considered the best...
What fabrics are good for sensitive skin?
This blog outlines which fabric types are best suited to those with chronic skin conditions including psoriasis, lupus and eczema. Natural fabrics including cotton and bamboo are considered the best for irritable, sensitive skin. These fabrics are the best because they are soft and they help regulate body temperature.
Your Story Series: Tamara Dawson
From diagnosis to advocacy, Tamara’s story is a powerful reminder of why early detection and sun protection matter.
Your Story Series: Tamara Dawson
From diagnosis to advocacy, Tamara’s story is a powerful reminder of why early detection and sun protection matter.
Your Story Series: Emma
Diagnosed with melanoma at 18, Emma shares how it changed her life, and why sun protection is now non-negotiable.
Your Story Series: Emma
Diagnosed with melanoma at 18, Emma shares how it changed her life, and why sun protection is now non-negotiable.
The A B C D E of skin checking
It is very difficult to the untrained eye to identify melanomas and skin cancers because they can come in many different shapes and sizes. As Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon from...
The A B C D E of skin checking
It is very difficult to the untrained eye to identify melanomas and skin cancers because they can come in many different shapes and sizes. As Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon from the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. says, "the earlier a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better the chance of avoiding surgery, or in the case of a serious melanoma or skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death."
Why you need to know about intermittent sun exposure
Intermittent sun exposure is common amongst individuals who spend much of the week indoors and, in an effort to capitalise on their free time, spend the bulk of their weekends outdoors soaking up the...
Why you need to know about intermittent sun exposure
Intermittent sun exposure is common amongst individuals who spend much of the week indoors and, in an effort to capitalise on their free time, spend the bulk of their weekends outdoors soaking up the sun.
Your Story Series: International Women's Day - Inspiring Women
As a female-founded business, we are dedicated to advancing skin cancer prevention and fostering an inclusive, empowering environment. This International Women’s Day, we honour the women who inspire us— from...
Your Story Series: International Women's Day - Inspiring Women
As a female-founded business, we are dedicated to advancing skin cancer prevention and fostering an inclusive, empowering environment. This International Women’s Day, we honour the women who inspire us— from survivors who have transformed their personal experiences into advocacy, to experts at the forefront of dermatology and innovation. Aligned with this year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” we are committed to driving tangible change in sun safety. This includes advocating for improved education, more effective solutions, and empowering individuals to take control of their skin health. These women’s stories underscore that skin cancer prevention is not only about personal health but also about shifting the broader mindset on sun protection, empowering and educating others to live sun-smart. Tamara Dawson, Skin Cancer Advocate, Founder & CEO of MSCAN After being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2015, Tamara saw a critical gap in advocacy, patient support, and research funding for skin cancer. Determined to create change, she founded MSCAN (Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network)—Australia’s only national, independent, consumer-led organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by skin cancer. With a background in government policy and corporate affairs, Tamara uses her expertise to connect patients with leading medical professionals, researchers, and global advocacy groups. Through MSCAN, Tamara is making sure skin cancer patients have a voice, a community, and the support they need. “Skin cancer is Australia’s national cancer, yet so much more needs to be done. Patients need to know someone has their back—advocating for them, funding critical research, and ensuring early detection and prevention remain a priority.” A/Prof Michelle Rodrigues, Dermatologist As a dedicated dermatologist, A/Prof Michelle Rodrigues has worked to advance the field of dermatology to create better health outcomes for people with skin cancer, pigmentary disorders, and other skin conditions. She has a broad range of expertise, including clinical practice, research, and outreach, making her a leading expert in dermatology. “I always emphasise the importance of comprehensive sun protection to my patients – not just for skin cancer prevention, but also to combat premature ageing and hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists know that sunscreen isn’t enough to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. This is where Solbari’s UPF 50+ range plays a critical role, providing an additional barrier with at least 98% protection against UVA and UVB rays. I particularly value how Solbari garments combine style with practical design features – such as high necklines and lightweight breathable fabrics – while meeting industry standards and offering exceptional durability." Jess Van Ziel, Skin Cancer Survivor Jess was diagnosed with ocular melanoma at the age of 21, and has since shared her experience as an author, speaker and advocate to help others. Her motto is “powerfully positive, ridiculously resilient” which perfectly sums up her personality and drive to live life to the fullest. "For years after my ocular melanoma diagnosis I was terrified of getting out in the sun. I’d experienced the impacts of a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis and knew it was something I never wanted to experience again. I was in my early 20s, and this fear was impacting my life, I missed being outdoors, and all that came with it; the beach, the hiking, the running, the travelling, the freedom. All things I had loved pre-cancer. Discovering Solbari and their amazing UPF 50+ clothing and hats was a game changer for me, it allows me to travel and enjoy the outdoors with the confidence that my skin has an extra layer of protection from the harsh sun. My sun anxiety is no longer holding me back from enjoying my life to the fullest and for that I am grateful." Johanna Young, Solbari Founder & CEO Over the past decade, our Founder & CEO has taken her mission to empower people to live a sun smart life from Melbourne Australia to a global stage. Since founding Solbari, Johanna has provided UPF 50+ sun protection to over 500,000 people in 160 countries worldwide, thanks to her drive and commitment to help others. "When I returned to Melbourne from London in 2011, I was shocked by Australia's high skin cancer rates—especially knowing how preventable it is. As an avid golfer and outdoor enthusiast, I quickly saw the link between UV exposure and skin cancer, sparking my passion for sun protection. I left my finance career to volunteer at the Cancer Council, but when I couldn’t find stylish, breathable UPF 50+ clothing, I created an Australian brand dedicated to sun protection. At Solbari, we’re committed to helping people protect their skin. If we can prevent even one case of skin cancer, it’s all worth it." Through their resilience, expertise, and dedication, these women are driving greater awareness and action to reduce the impact of skin cancer. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate their impact and commit to protecting our own skin, while encouraging those around us to do the same.
Protecting your skin with Dr Priska McDonald
Dr Priska McDonald is a consultant dermatologist with expertise in skin cancer, including melanoma, holding appointments at The Alfred Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. We're excited to welcome Dr...
Protecting your skin with Dr Priska McDonald
Dr Priska McDonald is a consultant dermatologist with expertise in skin cancer, including melanoma, holding appointments at The Alfred Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. We're excited to welcome Dr Priska McDonald to our Expert Medical Panel, bringing her expertise to our Solbari community. Read more about our Expert Medical Panel here. What makes UV exposure particularly dangerous? Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and UV exposure can reach extreme levels, making skin protection critical. Here's why: Extreme UV levels: UV radiation levels of 3 or above require sun protection. In an Australian summer, UV levels often exceed 11—classified as "extreme." At this level, sunburns can occur within minutes. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation remains high, which can be particularly dangerous because people often underestimate their need for sun protection. Even in colder months, UV levels can remain at 3 or above. There’s no such thing as a 'healthy tan': A tan is not a sign of good health. It indicates that your skin's DNA has been damaged, prompting the release of pigment for protection. This DNA damage can lead to skin cancer, including melanoma. The impact of a single sunburn: It only takes one sunburn to trigger DNA damage that may result in skin cancer. The risk is cumulative, but every instance of sunburns increases your risk. It’s important that we protect ourselves all year not just in the summer months. Long-term consequences of UV exposure: Consistent UV exposure not only increases the risk of skin cancer but also causes other skin concerns like pigmentary disorders (e.g., melasma) and accelerates premature ageing, including wrinkles, sunspots and loss of skin elasticity. What’s your advice for selecting UPF 50+ clothing and accessories? Choosing the right UPF 50+ clothing and accessories is a great way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here’s what to consider: Match clothing to your activities: Think about how and where you spend time in the sun—whether it’s leisure activities, like playing golf or walking the dog, or day-to-day activities UPF 50+ sun hats, clothing and accessories that suit those activities will ensure effective protection is provided as the fabrics block at least 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget accessories: If you spend time driving or walking with a pram, gloves are important to protect your hands, which are often exposed to UV rays. In fact, while car windshields block about 96% of UV radiation, side windows only block around 71% of damaging rays. To stay protected, wear protective apparel like a hat and driving gloves. These can help shield you from harmful UV rays that glass windows cannot completely block. Pick the right hat: A wide-brim hat is an excellent solution to shield your face, ears and neck from the sun. Focus on fabric weight and breathability: When you’re out in the heat, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics to stay cool while maintaining protection. Protect hard-to-reach areas: Consider parts of your body where reapplying sunscreen can be difficult, such as your back, shoulders or arms. Choosing UPF 50+ clothing and accessories can ensure those areas stay protected throughout the day. Do your research: Make sure the clothing and accessories you choose are tried and tested under Australian conditions and are approved by government agencies. Brands that meet these standards give you peace of mind that you’re getting reliable, high-quality sun protection. What advice do you give to skin cancer patients and survivors faced with “sun anxiety” but equally want to embrace the outdoors? How can UPF 50+ clothing and accessories from Solbari empower them? Although protecting ourselves from the sun is important, we cannot hide indoors and we don’t have to. Those affected by skin cancer or at risk of skin cancers can still enjoy the outdoors safely all year round. When wearing protective clothing with a UPF 50+ rating, you can be reassured that at least 98% of harmful UV rays are being blocked. Clothing takes the stress out of constantly needing to reapply sunscreen. UPF 50+ clothing and accessories give skin cancer survivors the confidence to enjoy the outdoors. How does proper skin protection support in maintaining healthy and youthful skin by reducing age spots and other UV-related damage? Proper skin protection is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful skin, as UV exposure is the primary cause of skin ageing. Many people underestimate UV damage, not realising it can occur even when they feel protected—such as driving a car, where UV radiation penetrates through windows, or wearing hats with holes or insufficient coverage. Premature ageing, including wrinkles, age spots, broken blood vessels, and pigmentary disorders like melasma, commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest and hands. Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing “healthy” about a tan; it’s a sign of DNA damage that accelerates ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer. The good news is that sun protection is the most effective anti-ageing measure. This includes combining the use of sunscreen, UPF 50+ clothing, wide-brim hats, sunglasses and shade. By consistently reducing cumulative UV exposure, we not only slow down the visible signs of ageing but also lower the risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin isn’t just about anti-ageing—it’s about long-term skin health. By combining these protective measures — sunscreen, UPF 50+ clothing and access to shade — you can confidently embrace your outdoor adventures while keeping your skin protected.
Skin cancer prevention with Dr Ryan De Cruz
Dr Ryan De Cruz is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Founder of Southern Dermatology, and a Consultant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Skin Health Institute. We're...
Skin cancer prevention with Dr Ryan De Cruz
Dr Ryan De Cruz is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, Founder of Southern Dermatology, and a Consultant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Skin Health Institute. We're excited to introduce Dr Ryan De Cruz to our Expert Medical Panel, bringing her expertise to our Solbari community. Read more about our Expert Medical Panel here. 95% of melanomas are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Why is prioritising prevention so crucial in addressing these alarming statistics? Australia has some of the most devastating skin cancer rates in the world, with 2 in 3 Australians diagnosed with the disease by the time they’re 70. When it comes to skin cancer, prevention is definitely better than cure. While detection and treatment are crucial in our fight against skin cancer, the majority of skin cancers can be prevented by properly protecting your skin. Your skin will remember how much UV exposure you’ve had, even the mildest of sunburns, which increases your long-term risk of skin cancer. We know that even thin melanomas (less than 1mm thick) reduce life expectancy, and therefore the goal must be to prevent melanoma development in the first place. Can you explain the difference between UPF ratings for clothing and accessories and SPF ratings for sunscreen? There are two differences. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) can penetrate fabric and reach your skin. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is based on the time it takes for UV-exposed skin to redden. UPF measures both UVB and UVA rays, while SPF measures only UVB.This important difference means that we are protecting ourselves against all the spectra of ultraviolet radiation that contributes to skin cancer and photo-ageing. Why do you recommend UPF 50+ clothing like Solbari as a more effective long-term solution to overall skin health compared to sunscreen alone? Sunscreen is not commonly applied adequately or frequently enough to provide true 50+ coverage. UPF 50+ clothing, on the other hand, guarantees consistent and reliable protection without the worry of missing spots or losing coverage throughout the day. Once UV damage has occurred, it cannot be fully reversed—anti-aging products, prescription treatments and laser therapies can only minimise visible signs like wrinkles and pigmentation. But nothing will undo the cellular damage caused by unprotected UV exposure. Investing in UPF 50+ clothing is a proactive and effective way to safeguard your skin for the long term, preserving its health and vitality while reducing the risk of skin cancers and premature ageing. Why are UPF 50+ clothing and accessories a smarter long-term investment for youthful skin than relying solely on expensive serums and treatments? The best skincare investment you can make is prevention—and that starts with shielding your skin from UV exposure. UPF 50+ clothing and accessories provide unparalleled protection, blocking at least 98% of harmful UV rays while eliminating the inconsistency of sunscreen application. Over time, unprotected sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, pigmentation and sagging skin, while also increasing the risk of skin cancer. Though serums, treatments and resurfacing lasers can improve the appearance of damage, they cannot reverse the underlying cellular harm caused by years of UV exposure. Combining UPF 50+ clothing and accessories with SPF50+ sunscreen offers a reliable, cost-effective, long-term solution for maintaining smooth, healthy and youthful skin. Prevention is not only easier—it’s far more effective.
Skin cancer: the basics
This blog answers a number of common questions relating to skin cancer including: What is skin cancer? What causes skin cancer? How common is skin cancer? Who is at risk...
Skin cancer: the basics
This blog answers a number of common questions relating to skin cancer including: What is skin cancer? What causes skin cancer? How common is skin cancer? Who is at risk of getting skin cancer? How do I know if I have skin cancer or not? How is skin cancer treated? How can I prevent skin cancer?
5 sun protection tips for this summer
This blog outlines five practical sun protection tips for this summer. The tips include a suggestion to wear UPF50+ sun protective clothing and a broad brim sun hat on high...
5 sun protection tips for this summer
This blog outlines five practical sun protection tips for this summer. The tips include a suggestion to wear UPF50+ sun protective clothing and a broad brim sun hat on high UV index days. Skin cancer is the most preventable cancer and is caused by cumulative overexposure to UV rays. 90% of skin ageing is a result of UV radiation.
Can skin damage caused by the sun be repaired or even reversed?
Your skin is your largest organ and has a long memory. Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) damage is cumulative throughout your life. Research shows that sun damage contributes to more than 90% of...
Can skin damage caused by the sun be repaired or even reversed?
Your skin is your largest organ and has a long memory. Sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) damage is cumulative throughout your life. Research shows that sun damage contributes to more than 90% of wrinkles, brown spots, premature skin ageing as well as precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.
UV rays explained and how they affect your skin
You can see sunlight and feel the sun's heat. However, you cannot see or feel ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It’s a common misconception that sun damage only occurs in hot climates,...
UV rays explained and how they affect your skin
You can see sunlight and feel the sun's heat. However, you cannot see or feel ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It’s a common misconception that sun damage only occurs in hot climates, as many people associate damage with the visible signs of sun exposure, i.e sunburn. You may be surprised to learn that the sun’s UVA and UVB rays actually have different, yet equally harmful, effects on the skin. They also have the potential to cause damage in the winter, as well as in the summer.
How to pick the perfect sun hat for sun protection
The best features to look for when shopping for a hat that provides effective protection from the sun.
How to pick the perfect sun hat for sun protection
The best features to look for when shopping for a hat that provides effective protection from the sun.
Staying sun safe: UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is the best solution
This blog looks at the best solution for sun protection. The diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and melanoma costs the Australian Government around $1.7bn annually. Sunscreen is an effective tool...
Staying sun safe: UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is the best solution
This blog looks at the best solution for sun protection. The diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and melanoma costs the Australian Government around $1.7bn annually. Sunscreen is an effective tool in sun protection, but we believe it should be considered as a last resort measure when you have no option but to expose your skin directly to sunlight. It is beyond debate that sun protective clothing is a more reliable means of sun protection.
Don't miss these 7 areas when protecting your skin
In this blog we highlight 7 areas which people often forget to protect and can cause serious sunburns and skin damage... 1. Ears: Have you ever had blistering, peeling ears? Well,...
Don't miss these 7 areas when protecting your skin
In this blog we highlight 7 areas which people often forget to protect and can cause serious sunburns and skin damage... 1. Ears: Have you ever had blistering, peeling ears? Well, it's pretty painful and not a good look. Don't forget to apply sunscreen on your ears, the upper area and behind them. 2. Eyelids: It's a very delicate area, where the skin is sensitive and thin. Category 3 sunglasses will help protect the eyes as well as a wide brim sun hat. Click here to read more...