If there’s one guy who can convince you to protect your skin outside, it’s Mr 4X4 himself. Best known as the host of Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures on channel 10, Pat Callinan explores remote parts of Australia, sharing practical off-road knowledge, and championing safe and responsible travel in the great outdoors. So, if you’re heading outside, going camping, taking the kids fishing, or adventuring with the family, you’ll be in safe hands with Pat’s top tips for protecting your skin outdoors.
Skin cancer: The track you don’t want to go down
If you’ve spent enough time behind the wheel, you know the rule, ignore a warning light long enough, and something bad’s about to happen. The same goes for your skin. What starts as a rough patch, a freckle that looks a bit odd, or a sore that won’t heal can turn into a much bigger job if you don’t pay attention.
Blokes and blind spots
Here’s the thing, men are the gap in the market when it comes to skin checks. Statistically, we’re more likely to work, drive, and play outdoors, yet less likely to go to the doctor until something’s seriously wrong. It’s not laziness; it’s the old “she’ll be right” wiring. But out bush, ignoring a problem never fixes it, it just leaves you stranded further from help.
The common mistakes
Most skin cancers don’t start with a sunburn last weekend; they’re the result of hundreds of small lapses over years of exposure. A few of the usual errors are easy to spot:
- Rolling up your sleeves to “cool down” on a hot day.
- Leaving the hat in the ute because it’s cloudy.
- Only using sunscreen on the beach, not the bush.
- Assuming if your skin doesn’t burn, that means you’re safe.
The trick is consistency. Treat skin protection like any other maintenance task: simple, regular, and non-negotiable.
Preventive maintenance for your skin
You know the drill: fix the small issues before they become big ones. Here’s your preventive maintenance list:
- SPF50+ sunscreen reapplied every two hours.
- Broad-brim hat
- Long sleeves for coverage.
- Shade awnings, trees, or the shadow side of your rig.
Make it habit. Keep sunscreen in your daypack (not the car), slap it on before you turn the key, and reapply regularly. The more automatic it becomes, the less likely you’ll forget.
The bottom line
Skin cancer is the track you don’t want to go down, but it’s largely avoidable with a bit of early attention. The fix is simple: build SunSmart habits the same way you build mechanical ones. Look after your gear, look after your rig, and look after your skin. Because once that warning light comes on, it’s already telling you you’ve left it too long.
Check out the sunsmart website for more info.
