In brief
Sunlight lets your skin make vitamin D, but ultraviolet (UV) radiation is also the major cause of skin cancer. In Australia, the UV Index tells you when you need protection.
- Sunburn is a radiation burn from the sun's UV rays.
- Skin cancer is linked to long-term exposure to the sun's UV rays.
- In Australia, you can usually get enough vitamin D from regular outdoor activities while following sun safety advice, according to healthdirect.
How it works
Cancer Council Australia recommends sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or above, or when you are outdoors for extended periods. At those UV levels, most people can keep up their vitamin D by spending a few minutes outdoors on most days of the week.
In southern parts of Australia in late autumn and winter, when the UV Index is below 3, Cancer Council suggests spending time outdoors in the middle of the day with some skin uncovered. People at higher risk of low vitamin D, such as those who are mostly indoors or have naturally dark skin, should talk to their doctor.
Connections
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Sun exposure and UV can raise
When the UV Index is 3 or above, most people keep enough vitamin D by spending a few minutes outdoors on most days.
Even mild sunburn and tanning can contribute to skin cell damage that can lead to melanoma, so sun protection is advised whenever UV levels are 3 or higher.
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Skin cancer
Sun exposure and UV affects
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer.
Sources: Cancer Council Australia, Vitamin D; Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Skin explained
Lab tests
Sources
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Summarised from Cancer Council, healthdirect and the Better Health Channel. Sources read on 13 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.