SunSmart Haumaru rā

How can I protect my skin?

The cause of over 90% of skin cancer is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. 

You can take steps to protect yourself, your whānau and your community from harmful UV radiation by:

• being SunSmart (Slip, Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap)
• creating sun-protective environments and events in your community
• supporting our campaigns, such as SunSmart schools and the movement to make sunscreen a therapeutic product

How can I be SunSmart?

Following our Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap guidelines to reduce your exposure to UV radiation.

Shade (Slip) / E noho ate wāhi marumaru
Slip into shade where possible. This is the best way to protect yourself. Shade can be provided by buildings, trees, or shade structures such as marquees.

Clothing (Slip) / Kuhuna he ate
Slip on some sun protective clothing, such as:

• a shirt with a collar and long sleeves and trousers or long-legged shorts
• a darker, close weave material offers the best protection
• some clothing will have an Ultraviolet Protective Factor (UPF) on the label. We recommend clothing that complies with the AS/NZS 4399:2017 standard

Sunscreen (Slop) / Pania he kirīmi pare tīkākā I mua I te putanga ki waho I te whare

Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, and has the AS/NZ 2604 standard on the label.

Try not to rely on sunscreen alone – make sure you Slip, Slap and Wrap too!

Sunscreen protection depends on the correct application. Make sure you:

• apply 20 minutes before you go outdoors
• reapply every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating it off
• the average sized adult should apply 1 teaspoon to each arm, and to the face (including the ears and neck); and at least a teaspoon to each leg, the front of the body, and the back of the body
• make sure the kids apply their sunscreen correctly
• check the expiry date on your sunscreen and make sure you store it in a cool place (below 30°C)

Hats (Slap) / Whakamauria he pōtae he whānui te peha

Slap on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.

Broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hats are best. We don't recommend caps. 

We recommend hats that comply with the AS/NZS 4399:2017 standard.

Sunglasses (Wrap) / Kuhuna he mōwhiti rā

Wrap on some close-fitting sunglasses.

Make sure they meet the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS 1067:2016). 

Don't use sunbeds

Sunbeds (solaria) emit artificial UV radiation. Using sunbeds significantly increase your risk of melanoma (a lethal form of skin cancer).

Our advice to you is to never use sunbeds. It is illegal for people under the age of 18 to use commercial sunbeds.

When to be SunSmart

• From September to April, especially between the hours of 10:00 am - 4:00 pm when UV radiation levels are very high
• use sun protection throughout the year when at high altitudes or near reflective surfaces, such as snow
• when UV levels are high - download the free UVNZ app on android or iPhone or check the Metservice weather forecast for your town or city to find out what the UVI level is near you.
• if you have a history of skin cancer, sun damage, health condition, or taking medicines that make them sensitive to the sun should use sun protection all year round.

Babies and sunscreen

All babies under 12 months should be kept out of the direct sun when UV levels are 3 or higher.

They should be protected by shade, clothing and broad-brimmed hats. Sunscreen may be used on small areas of a baby’s skin but do not rely on sunscreen as the main sun protection.

If you need to use sunscreen on a baby (at any age), use sunscreen labelled as being for sensitive skin or suitable for children. If possible, do a "patch test" first.

Widespread use of sunscreen on babies under six months is not recommended, as they have sensitive skin and should be kept in the shade where possible.

How to check your skin for changes

Check your skin by looking over your entire body regularly. You're looking for changes to or new spots or moles on your skin. 

Skin cancers can be in places you cannot see yourself, so you may need to ask someone to help you check or use a hand mirror.

Remember to check places that might not normally get exposed to the sun, such as:

• your armpits
• behind your ears
• your scalp
• the bottom of your feet
• your fingernails and toenails

It is a good idea to keep track of how spots and moles look, so you know if they have changed since you last checked your skin.

If you notice any changes in your skin changes or your general health, talk to your doctor.