Over the past few years, my travels have taken me from the bustling cities and rural communities of India to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the high mountain villages of Nepal, and the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. Along the way, I have become increasingly aware of the fascinating differences in how people dress and protect themselves from the sun.
As someone who has lived with melanoma and now spends much of my time raising awareness about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, I naturally notice how different cultures approach sun exposure. In many parts of India and Nepal, covering the skin is often the norm. Long sleeves, lightweight trousers, scarves, hats and umbrellas are commonly used to shield against both heat and sunlight. In Tanzania, particularly among those working outdoors, practical clothing and head coverings offer protection from the intense equatorial sun.
In contrast, many Mediterranean holiday destinations celebrate the sunshine. Beaches are filled with visitors seeking a tan, and lighter, more revealing clothing is common, especially among tourists. While sun protection campaigns have become more visible in recent years, attitudes towards tanning and UV exposure can still differ significantly from those found in countries where staying covered is part of everyday life.
These observations highlight an important point: the way we dress is influenced by culture, climate, tradition and lifestyle. Yet regardless of where we live or travel, the sun’s UV radiation affects us all. Understanding how different societies balance comfort, tradition and sun protection can offer valuable lessons in reducing the risk of skin cancer while still enjoying the outdoors.
As I travelled through these countries, I realised that there is no single “right” way to protect ourselves from the sun. Every culture has developed its own habits, influenced by climate, tradition and everyday life. What surprised me most was how differently people think about the same sun.
UV protection habits vary considerably around the world. Climate, culture, beauty ideals, work patterns and public health campaigns all shape how people think about the sun.
In countries such as Australia and New Zealand, where melanoma rates are among the highest in the world, sun protection has become part of everyday life. Public awareness campaigns encourage people to wear protective clothing, apply sunscreen daily, seek shade and regularly check the UV Index. For many Australians, protecting their skin is simply a normal daily habit.
In contrast, people living in cooler parts of Europe often associate the sun with holidays and relaxation. Because UV exposure is less obvious than heat, sunscreen is frequently used only on sunny vacations, and a suntan is still widely seen as a symbol of health, leisure and attractiveness. This can lead to short periods of intense sun exposure rather than consistent protection throughout the year.
Elsewhere, avoiding the sun is often driven by different motivations. Across much of East Asia, for example, umbrellas, protective clothing and daily sunscreen use are common, although these habits are often linked more closely to beauty standards than to skin cancer prevention. Similarly, in many parts of the Middle East and North Africa, traditional loose-fitting clothing provides excellent natural UV protection, while outdoor activities are often limited during the hottest part of the day.
In regions close to the equator, where sunlight is intense throughout the year, communities have often adapted through practical daily routines such as seeking shade, adjusting working hours, and wearing clothing that balances cooling with sun protection. Although people with darker skin have greater natural protection against UV damage, skin cancer can still occur and is sometimes diagnosed later because awareness is lower.
One encouraging trend is emerging across many countries: younger generations are becoming increasingly aware that UV exposure is linked not only to skin cancer but also to premature skin ageing.
Public health organisations and skin cancer charities continue to promote the message that enjoying the outdoors and protecting your skin should go hand in hand.
