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?
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.
