Protecting Our Future: Why Sun Protection Matters Every Single Day

O COSMEDICS X Solbari

Every year, National Skin Cancer Action Week (17th – 23rd November) serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting our skin from the damaging effects of UV exposure. It’s more than a campaign; it’s a collective call to action to prioritise education, early detection and prevention.

In a country with one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, this awareness week is deeply personal to both Founder & CEO of Australia’s leading cosmedical skincare brand O COSMEDICS, Maria Enna-Cocciolone, and Founder of award-winning Australian specialised sun protection brand Solbari, Johanna Young.

For Maria, it’s a reminder that prevention is easier than correction, a principle that underpins the entire O COSMEDICS philosophy. For Johanna, it’s a moment to reflect on how every small, daily decision impacts our long-term skin health because “Our skin doesn’t forget.”

A Shared Mission: Prevention Through Education

With research showing that approximately "95% of skin cancers are preventable", both O COSMEDICS and Solbari are driven by a shared purpose - empowering Australians to take proactive, informed steps in protecting their skin (Cancer Institute NSW, 2025).

O COSMEDICS spotlights sun protection through education, teaching that SPF is not a seasonal product, but rather a critical daily step. From the formulation of Mineral Pro SPF (30 & 50), designed to be lightweight, reef-safe and effective, to consumer education around application and reapplication, the brand ensures that prevention becomes an effortless part of skincare routines.

Meanwhile, Solbari brings physical protection to life through UPF 50+ rated clothing, hats and accessories that provide a reliable, wearable layer of defence. As Johanna explains, “Regular clothing often offers the equivalent of just SPF 5, whereas UPF 50+ fabrics block 98% of UV rays – protection that doesn’t fade, sweat off or need reapplication.”

Together, both brands create a holistic ecosystem of protection, combining the strength of topical and physical barriers with ongoing public education.

What Sun Protection Really Means

Despite decades of public health campaigns, misconceptions about sun safety persist. Both founders agree that education is the key to change.

Maria explains “We still hear people say they only need SPF when it’s sunny or that a higher SPF means they can stay out longer. Others believe that darker skin tones or children don’t need protection, which is simply not true.”

Johanna adds “Sun protection isn’t just for summer or the beach. UV rays are present all year round, even on cloudy days or during your morning commute and sunscreen alone isn’t enough – it’s about layering your protection with shade, clothing, hats and mindful habits.”

This multi-layered approach – known as Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide remains one of the most effective ways to reduce skin cancer risk.

Holistic Sun Protection:

For both Maria and Johanna, holistic sun protection means treating sun safety as a lifestyle, not a single product choice.

“Holistic sun protection is far more extensive than relying on sunscreen alone” says Maria. “It’s about protecting the skin from all angles, applying SPF daily, wearing UPF-rated clothing, seeking shade and being mindful of peak UV hours. Prevention is the best treatment.”

Johanna agrees: “True protection is seamless and sustainable. It’s wearing breathable, stylish UPF garments to work, remembering your hat on your lunch break and reapplying SPF even on cloudy days. It’s not about restriction, it’s about empowerment.”

Prevention as the Cornerstone of Skin Health

In 2023, approximately 2,105 Australians lost their lives to skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types. These aren’t just numbers. They represent preventable loss.

Through her decades in professional skincare, Maria has seen firsthand how UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown, pigmentation and premature aging, making daily protection essential. “Sun is the skin’s greatest enemy” she says. “But with the right education and consistent habits, it’s also the easiest enemy to defeat.”

For Johanna, the mission is equally clear: “At Solbari, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy the outdoors safely. Sun protection should feel good, look good and do good for your health and for the generations to come.”

Protect Today, Preserve Tomorrow

Whether through the perfect SPF or a UPF 50+ sun hat, both brands share one goal – to make daily protection second nature.

Together, O COSMEDICS and Solbari are committed to shifting the conversation from damage and repair to prevention and protection. Because every small choice: applying sunscreen before your morning walk, reaching for your hat, choosing a long-sleeved shirt, contributes to a lifetime of healthier, stronger skin.

Your future skin will thank you!