Owner and founder Christine Silbert created Slinky Sleeves after having a skin cancer removed from the back of her hand.

“I realised that just wearing sleeves in the car when driving wasn’t enough to prevent ongoing skin damage. You need to cover up anywhere you are out in the sun.”

“All that was available were plain white cotton sleeves and I was looking for a bit more style in social situations, otherwise I would avoid wearing them.”

“By selecting current fashion colours and materials I hope to encourage young women to start looking after themselves and prevent skin damage much earlier. “

“And if you already have skin damage, Slinky Sleeves are a stylish cover up.”

Slinky Sleeves are shaped around the palm and top of the hand to give you freedom to move and wear your jewellery. They anchor to the middle finger and are elasticised at the upper arm to hold them in place.

The stretch fabrics assist the ‘one size fits all’ concept and suit most people.

There are different ranges of fabrics suited to driving the car, shopping, sitting at an outdoor café and sporting events, and glamour occasions such as the races and evening functions.

The colours and fabric range are selected to cover all seasons, compliment your wardrobe and have a bit of fun.

1700 PEOPLE DIE OF SKIN CANCER IN AUSTRALIA EACH YEAR

People who live and work in hot climates need to be especially aware of the dangers of over exposure to the sun.

There are three main types of skin cancer:

• Basel Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Melanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous and aggressive, but all types need to be detected early and treated correctly.

Solar keratoses, which are commonly found on the head, neck and the backs of hands, are early warning signs. Odd-shaped moles also may indicate a greater risk of developing melanoma.

What you may not know about sun damage to the skin:

• Ultra violet radiation (UV) from the sun can damage skin cells and stop the immune system from working properly.
• Apart from the obvious damage from sunburn that causes premature ageing, wrinkling, and skin cancer, it can cause eye damage such as cataracts.

Skin cancer is preventable

• Minimise exposure to UV radiation with personal and general protection garments or overhead cover when outside.
• Ideal materials have a close weave, darker colours, tightly woven, and for water situations, maintain sun protective value when wet, such as lycra.
• Check your skin at home regularly with the help of a partner or friend
• Have your skin checked regularly by your doctor.

No sunscreen provides 100% UV protection, but look out for ‘broad spectrum’, which will filter both UVA and UVB radiation. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors to clean, dry skin. Layer it, don’t rub it into the skin.