Your Story Series: Meet Larissa

What is your name?

My name is Larissa Hurrell.

Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words.

Optimistic, down to earth and considerate.

What is your attitude towards sun protection today?

My 67 year old mother has had endless skin cancers taken off her with the worst one being a basal cell carcinoma which was on her chest. The little lump was only a millimetre in diameter but it had spread across her entire chest underneath the surface. She thankfully is fine but was told by her surgeon to never get her skin exposed to the sun again.

From then on I have been vigilant about sun protection as I also have extremely fair skin. Discovering Solbari has been exciting for my mum and I. We feel that getting the right clothing has taken our sun protection to the next level.

I have recently purchased a stand up paddle board and having good sun protection was a necessity! The Solbari tights which I am wearing in the photo and I have since bought the zip through rashie are absolutely fantastic. The fabric breathes and dries quickly plus they are extremely comfortable to wear. I also coat myself in 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and always wear a hat.

What would you tell your 16-year-old self about sun protection?

I would tell myself at 16 to not go into the sun without sunscreen and protective clothing, that you will never tan and you are only damaging your skin in the long run... when you get to your 30's the spots will start coming!

Thank you Larissa for helping raise awareness for skin cancer, melanoma and skin conditions, and sharing your story with us and our Solbari Community.

The Solbari Team

Also in Solbari Blog

How many moles is deemed a high risk of skin cancer or melanoma?

This blog confirms that someone with more than 50 common moles is deemed higher risk of skin cancer and melanoma (Source: Yale Medicine). Also, someone who has more than 10 irregular moles is 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma compared to the general population (Source: Cancer Foundation).

Is it possible to get sun burnt through clothing?

In this blog we explore if it is possible to get sun burnt through clothing. People don't realise that they are routinely exposed to the sun through their regular clothing. Dermatologists agree that the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to wear UPF 50+ sun protective clothing. UPF 50+ means that at least 98% of UV rays are blocked. UPF 50+ is the highest accreditation for sun protection achievable in the World.

Your Story Series: Meet Kerryn

For me, despite being vigilant growing up in the 'slip slop slap' era with caring parents and being a responsible young adult, my cancer progressed - partly because of my high-risk skin. I really want everyone to take sun safety seriously because it is preventable if you are cautious and get regular skin checks.