We all know the dire skin cancer statistics in Australia, and so we should — it’s a very real and worrying problem for our sun-soaked country.

So I decided a few years ago to start getting my skin checked yearly at a mole mapping clinic that compares the size, shape and colour of your freckles year-on-year.

It’s an excellent tool to help notice changes quickly, so if you do receive some particularly bad news it’s not too late to act.

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During COVID my regular doctor became concerned by a dark mole on the back of my ankle. He asked me to come back in for another scan three months later to see whether it would change.

For 12 weeks I agonised over the state of my left ankle, imagining the worst outcome lay before me. Luckily, it didn’t change.

But that moment signalled a real change in my habits, and I started to really pay attention to what I was not only wearing to the beach but also what I was wearing on long walks, camping trips and even just general day-to-day life.

Aussie brand Solbari has produced a range of UPF 50+ clothes and sun hats designed to encourage a “sun smart life”. It’s the kind of brand that prioritises safe habits while we frolic in the surf and sun.

The $99 women’s Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Hat UPF 50+ in both Natural and Sage colours is a good gateway into the brand because it offers such vast protection for both your face and the back of the neck.

For men the Traveller Broad Brim Sun Hat UPF 50+, which is currently on sale, is a fashion-forward option, or the Bondi Bucket Hat which is available for both men and women.

One of the most game-changing products is the $109 Loose Fit Long Sleeve Swing Top UPF 50+ Sensitive Collection.

I now religiously wear a lightweight long-sleeved top when I’m walking, even in the height of summer, to avoid excessive sun exposure to my arms, which tend to get freckly the fastest.

For those who love a roadtrip, much like I do, the $79 Driving Gloves are a must for protecting your hands. Ever noticed how quickly the tops of your hands go red on a long drive? It’s time to stop that from happening.

For those who spend a lot of time outdoors playing sports or driving, the UPF50+ is a great way of adding another layer of protection, minus any need for re application.

The clothing and hats are lightweight and breathable, keeping you feeling (and looking) cool on a hot summer’s day.

There are also plenty of neutral colours to choose from, from grey marle to eucalyptus green, so you can choose a shade that works well with your wardrobe.

To shop Solbari’s range, head to the website here.