The headline that caught our attention

“A landmark QIMR Berghofer study has revealed that short times outdoors during hours of low sunlight can cause skin damage and contribute to skin cancer risk. The findings go against decades of thinking that time outdoors early or later in the day doesn’t cause harm.”

What’s the New Study?

The new study into Low Dose UV exposure was conducted by leading Queensland research institute, QIMR Berghofer.  The study involved 58 people with light to olive skin. An area on their back was exposed to ultraviolet rays, delivered at lower (e.g., mid-morning) and higher (e.g., lunchtime) UV intensities over several days. Biopsies were taken to see if any DNA damage had occurred, and they also measured molecular and immune responses. 

The researchers say they were surprised to see DNA damage, irrespective of whether the UV radiation was given quickly or more slowly. Importantly, the doses given were not enough to cause the skin of participants to become pink, but even so, these low doses caused detectable damage to the DNA.

Study co-lead Professor David Whiteman AM says whilst the skin has experienced some damage from the UV exposure, it doesn’t mean that cancer has formed.

“Our lab results show these small, incremental doses of UV have caused some damage to the DNA in the skin cells, enough for the cells to then respond to the damage. Over months and years, these episodes of incremental, incidental UV exposure will have a cumulative impact on the skin and can lead to mutations that will initiate skin cancer,” he said.

You can read more about their study here.

Other studies are underway.

The Crazy Arms team also recently took part in a cumulative dosage study, tracking the total UV dosage the body would be subject to during a typical  round of golf.  Starting at 7.30am on a cloudy Autumn day in Sydney, the cumulative dosage was close to 6 by the time the round ended.

What are the implications for daily sun safe routines?

As Professor Rachel Neale puts it: “The important thing is that when people are spending more extended periods outdoors, when the UV index is low - so as can happen during the cooler months of the year - if you're going to be out for any sort of extended period of time, you still need to be protecting your skin from the sun.”

That’s where Crazy Arms come in.  If you’re out in a t-shirt for a 40min morning walk, or wearing a golf polo shirt ahead of a 4 hour round, slipping on sleeves is an easy way to help protect a highly exposed part of your body. 

Winter Wardrobe. 

Long pants by Footjoy. Blue Polo Paul Smith x Castore. Reversible Fleece Vest by Angus and Grace Go Golfing. Dark Blue Crazy Arms.

Contents of this article based on research published by QIMR Berghofer 26th June 2026.

The scientific paper is published in Photochemistry and Photobiology.

Read more of our news here

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