Your Story Series: Meet Sonya

2 min read

What is your name?

Hello, I'm Sonya Matthews.

I live in Queensland, Australia, where summer lasts all year!

Describe yourself in 3 to 5 words.

Active, keen walker, sun avoider!

What is your attitude towards sun protection today?

I really dislike the sun on my skin and prefer to stay out of it. But I also love walking (longer distances) and so cover from head to toe when I venture out. I have never been so happy since the day I discovered Solbari and found I could have a gorgeous top to wear that covers everything I want it to, is soft on my skin, cool enough to wear in the hottest weather and comes in beautiful colours! Sun protection has always been so ugly and boring, until now!

I always wear high protection sunscreen/makeup on my face, and sunglasses. I add a legionnaires hat when I'm going walking. I wish I had protected my arms more as a younger woman, but at least my face has been pretty well protected and is holding up relatively well!

My mum, dad and mother and father in law have ALL had sun cancers or sun spots removed. I see so many people of their generation having similar treatments.

Now that we have a better understanding of the dangers, our younger generation can protect themselves better - especially with more choices of sun protection methods! Yet many younger people unfortunately don't believe the dangers and take few precautions against sun damage. It's so very frustrating!

I am thrilled, however, that my sons' school are very proactive about wearing hats for outdoor play. In time, the tide may turn to better sun habits by more people!

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

You have red hair, fair skin with freckles and your ancestry is Scottish, Austrian and German. You are not designed to live in the Australian sun, so keep out of it! Do NOT sunbathe (even if your mother does) as you will not tan as your friends appear to! You will look younger when you're older, if you have less sun exposure now!

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

The Solbari Team

Back to blog homepage

Content Disclaimer: All content on the Solbari website is for informational purposes only. It does not consitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions about your health or a medical condition.

Someone's hands holding each other with a skin condition.

The 6 most common skin conditions (including skin cancer & melanoma)

Sun protection

7 min read

Understand the six most common skin conditions, including non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma, plus practical tips on symptoms, triggers and early detection.

A man and a woman in black Solbari sun hats with a blue sky in the background.

Your Complete Guide to Choosing Sun-Protective Clothing and Sun Hats

Sun protection

7 min read

Discover how UPF 50+ clothing and sun hats provide the most reliable daily sun protection, how UPF ratings work, and why they’re essential alongside SPF.

A woman and a man wearing Solbari sun hats and UPF 50+ clothing, walking.

UPF vs SPF: Understanding the Difference for Skin Health

Sun protection

6 min read

UPF and SPF work together—but they’re not the same. Discover why UPF 50+ clothing offers set-and-forget protection, and where sunscreen is still essential.

Two women wearing Solbari UPF 50+ sun hats and clothing with the sea and a blue sky behind them

The Science of UPF 50+ Clothing and Sun Hats: Why Fabric Rating Matters

Sun protection

5 min read

Not all fabrics block UV. Explore how UPF 50+ clothing and sun hats are engineered, tested and rated to keep your skin safer every day in the sun.

A man and a woman standing on a beach with blue sky behind them wearing Solbari sun hats and UPF 50+ clothing

Sun Protection Beyond Sunscreen: Make UPF 50+ Clothing and Sun Hats Your First Line of Defence

Sun protection

4 min read

Learn why dermatologists recommend UPF 50+ clothing and broad-brim sun hats as the first line of defence, with sunscreen used to protect the areas clothing can’t cover.

Courtney wears a Solbari sun hat and Luxe Sun Wrap

Your Story Series: Courtney

Skin Cancer & Melanoma

3 min read

After seeking help for a spot that was changing colour and getting bigger, Courtney was diagnosed with melanoma. She has since prioritised her health above everything else, and has incorporated sun protection as a non-negotiable in her daily routine.