Carrie Bickmore SunSense UV Photobus Interview

Carrie Bickmore SunSense UV Photobus Interview

Summer has finally arrived, and if you're not already wearing sunscreen every day, now is the time to start.

The SunSense UV Photobus will hit Australian roads this summer bringing free UV analyses and a team of skincare consultants to communities all over the country.

With one Aussie every eight hours dying from skin cancer and diagnosis occurring almost each and every minute of the day, further education on the dangers of hidden UV damage is critically needed.

From 9th October to 5th of December 2012, the SunSense skincare consultants will travel to 21 locations throughout QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and WA offering free skin analysis using UV camera technology and complimentary sun protection products to take home, tailored to your specific skin type and lifestyle.

For dates and locations near you, visit www.sunsense.com.au


The full 2012 tour schedule is as follows:
Sydney CBD, NSW: 9th October
Erina, NSW: 10th October
Castle Hill, NSW: 11th October
Chatswood, NSW: 13th October
Newcastle, NSW: 15th October
Coffs Harbour, NSW: 17th October
Hervey Bay, QLD: 19th October
Brisbane, NSW: 23rd October
Toowoomba, QLD: 25th October
Bathurst, NSW: 30th October
Wollongong, NSW: 1st November
Belconnen, ACT: 3rd November
Albury, NSW: 6th November
Shepparton, VIC: 8th November
Camberwell, VIC: 10th November

Melbourne, VIC: 13th November
Traralgon, VIC: 14th November
Bendigo, VIC:16th November
Adelaide, SA: 20th November
Cannington, WA: 4th December
Hillarys, WA: 5th December

Interview with Carrie Bickmore

Australian television presenter and ambassador of the SunSense UV Photobus Tour 2012, Carrie Bickmore understands the importance of protecting your family's skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Both Carrie and her young son Oliver have fair skin, so sun protection is an important part of their daily life.

So how does a busy mum maintain beautiful, healthy skin for herself and her family and what does SunSensibility mean to her? Carrie shares a few tips and insights with us.

Question: What made you choose to get involved with SunSense's SunSensbility Campaign?

Carrie Bickmore: Most of my childhood was spent in Perth. I love being outdoors and being physically active has always been important to me, but the strong WA sun mixed with just enough teen foolishness meant I learnt the importance of sun protection the hard way a couple of times! Now I'm a stickler for sunscreen and have been for years. It's now a part of my everyday routine.

I read about SunSense's UV analysis centre last summer and thought it was a great initiative. When SunSense told me the program would run again in 2012 I was keen to be 'on board'!

I really encourage everyone to get their skin checked for hidden UV damage by a SunSense skincare consultant when the bus arrives in their local area. It's so important as the UV camera technology actually reveals the hidden UV damage that is invisible to the naked eye - just because you can't see it on the surface, doesn't mean that it's not there, people seem to forget this. It's something I believe is utterly necessary for our national health. I'm 100% in support of a program that focuses on grass roots advice and education that's available to everyone, for free.


Question: So, have you had your skin checked for hidden UV damage?

Carrie Bickmore: Of course! My SunSensibility score is 46 out of a possible 100. For the last 10 years I've been vigilant about wearing sunscreen on my face every day, yet I still had damage so it just goes to show you the damage may have already been done. For me, it's now about preventative measures.

Question: What is your number one SunSensibility tip?

Carrie Bickmore: Sun protection needs to be consistent and started young. Small changes in your daily routine can make a big impact. So keep it simple, but keep it up.


Question: How do you get Ollie to understand the importance of good sun protection habits?

Carrie Bickmore: Explaining to a child that something invisible could harm them is tricky! Most kids are taught about sun protection from a young age at school, for example, no hat no play, but to enforce the necessity of good habits in the home, we use a nifty game that involves drawing a picture with the sunscreen before rubbing it in - this way he also feels a sense of responsibility for mum's skin, as well as his own.


Question: What tips would you give to mums with regards to having great 'SunSensibility'?

Carrie Bickmore: It's all about forming good habits. You have to teach children to understand the need to protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays.

Even when you're wearing sunscreen, I'd always advise mums with children to avoid prolonged sun exposure particularly when UV levels are the highest (10am to 3pm). Hit the beach early and miss the crowds then find some proper shade to have lunch and play some more.
It's essential to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after every swim, towelling dry, exercise or activities where you might perspire. Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, a hat at all times and drink plenty of water.
The more the family talks about being sun smart, the more receptive their children will be. Making sunscreen a daily requirement for outdoor play year round is a good place to start.
Skin can be susceptible to UV damage year round. On cloudy days up to 80% of the sun's UV radiation can penetrate through light cloud cover¹ so a daily sunscreen is an absolute must.
Apply a generous layer of SPF 30+ sunscreen, like SunSense's Sport Milk to the little ones before sending them to school
I'm a big advocate of injecting fun into anything that a child struggles with. We all remember being lathered in zinc-y sunscreen that made your eyes sting as a child - with the great sunscreens available today, it's unnecessary trauma! Make the process of sun protection fun if you can


Question: Having grown up in Australia, I'm sure you're also concerned with how the sun can damage our skin and lead to premature ageing. What are your tips for youthful looking skin?

Carrie Bickmore: Prevention is the best cure - this couldn't be truer! Wearing a sunscreen like SunSense's Anti-Ageing Face every day is a great place to start. I was told recently by Dr. Kerryn Greive (PhD) from SunSense that, with commitment to future protection, some of the visible UV skin damage can be 'undone' and I'm all about second chances. I also make sure I drink lots of water (studio makeup and A/C is a killer on your skin) and try to get plenty of sleep.


Interview by Brooke Hunter