Your Story Series: Meet Renee

2 min read

What is your name?

My name is Renee.

Describe yourself.

I am a 38 year old red-headed stay at home mother.

What is your attitude towards sun protection today?

Living in Queensland, being a mother of three fair-skinned, freckly red-headed children (all currently under the age of five) and having had a sun spot recently removed from my face, I take sun protection much more seriously than ever before.

We are an active family, we love the outdoors and live at the beach so we are out in the sunshine every day. The sun feels hotter now than it did when I was younger and I am always terrified of my children getting sunburnt. I now know how precious their skin is and how dangerous the sun has become.

As a result, we never leave the house without 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. We never stay out in the sun during the hottest part of the day and we always wear long sleeve swimwear, hats and zinc at the beach.

It is difficult to get the children to wear sunscreen and hats in particular but we always reinforce the importance of these things and tell them "no hat, no play!"

What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?

I would warn my 16 year old self that sun protection is imperative and that if she doesn't protect her skin properly she will end up with lots of sun spots by the age of 35 (including one which will be removed from her face and leave a significant and noticeable scar) and lots of wrinkles!

I would tell her that hats and sunglasses are cool, to always wear them and to invest in the best quality ones such as the Solbari products! Likewise, I would tell her to invest in good quality high protection sunscreen.

I would warn her about incidental sunburn and how imperative it is to apply sunscreen before leaving the house each morning and to make it a habit like brushing her teeth. I would tell her to be particularly careful when exercising and swimming and always re-apply the sunscreen.

Thank you Renee for helping raise awareness for skin cancer, melanoma and skin conditions, and sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.

Back to blog homepage

Content Disclaimer: All content on the Solbari website is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions about your health or a medical condition.

Your Story Series: Amy

Skin Cancer & Melanoma

5 min read

After multiple melanoma diagnoses, Amy has built her sun protection routine around her adventurous lifestyle. She incorporates both SPF sunscreens and UPF 50+ clothing into her every day life so she can continue to embrace the outdoors without sacrifice.

Your Story Series: Leah

Skin Cancer & Melanoma

2 min read

8 years ago, Leah was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma shortly after her son's first birthday. In the years since she has learned the tools to allow her to continue enjoying the outdoors.

A woman and a man standing on a beach wearing Solbari sun hats and UPF 50+ clothing.

Sun Protection Beyond Sunscreen: Make UPF 50+ Clothing and Sun Hats Your First Line of Defence

4 min read

Learn why dermatologists recommend UPF 50+ clothing and broad-brim sun hats as the first line of defence, with sunscreen used to protect the areas clothing can’t cover.

A woman and a man wearing Solbari sun hats.

The Science of UPF 50+ Clothing and Sun Hats: Why Fabric Rating Matters

Sun Protection

5 min read

Not all fabrics block UV. Explore how UPF 50+ clothing and sun hats are engineered, tested and rated to keep your skin safer every day in the sun.

Courtney wears a Solbari sun hat and Luxe Sun Wrap

Your Story Series: Courtney

Skin Cancer & Melanoma

3 min read

After seeking help for a spot that was changing colour and getting bigger, Courtney was diagnosed with melanoma. She has since prioritised her health above everything else, and has incorporated sun protection as a non-negotiable in her daily routine.