How a UV-Blocker Parasol Protects You From Harmful UV Rays

UV-Blocker parasol with a reflective silver top and navy underside

Shop UV parasols

  • Reflective Silver Solarteck® Fabric

    The silver top works like a mirror, reflecting up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays and much of the sun's heat, so the shade underneath stays up to 8°C cooler than direct sun.

  • Navy Blue Underside

    The dense navy lining absorbs UV that bounces up off sand, water and concrete, instead of reflecting it back onto your face.

  • Ventilated Mesh System

    Patented vents between the two canopy layers let hot air and wind escape, so heat doesn't build up and the canopy is less likely to flip in a gust.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between UVA and UVB, and why does it matter?

Both cause skin damage, so good sun protection blocks both. UVB is the main cause of sunburn and is strongest in the middle of the day. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin, contributes to skin ageing and skin cancer, and passes through cloud and glass. A UV-Blocker parasol is tested to block 100% of UVB and 99.97% of UVA passing through the canopy.

Is a UPF 50+ parasol better than sunscreen?

Use both. A parasol gives steady overhead shade that doesn't sweat off or need reapplying, but UV still reflects up from sand, water and concrete. Cancer Council's advice is to combine shade with protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

When is UV highest in Australia?

Around the middle of the day, and it can be high even on cool or cloudy days. Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV Index is 3 or above. The SunSmart app and the Bureau of Meteorology publish daily sun protection times for your location. In northern Australia the UV Index reaches 3 or above all year; in Victoria it's typically from mid-August to the end of April.

Does skin tone affect UV damage risk?

Every skin tone can be damaged by UV, but the risk differs. Fair skin burns faster and has higher rates of skin cancer; darker skin is more prone to pigmentation, and skin cancers can be found later. Sun protection matters for every skin type.

What early warning signs of skin cancer should I look for?

Check moles with the ABCDE guide: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6 mm and Evolving (any change). Also look for sores that don't heal and new pink, pearly or scaly spots. If anything is new or changing, see your GP or dermatologist.

Five SunSmart Steps, With a Parasol in the Mix

  • Slip on sun-protective clothing.
  • Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before you go out, and reapply every two hours.
  • Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.
  • Seek shade. A UPF 50+ parasol is shade you can carry where there are no trees or awnings.
  • Slide on close-fitting, wraparound sunglasses.

Check the UV Index before you head out: ARPANSA publishes live UV readings for Australian capital cities, and the SunSmart app shows your local sun protection times.