FAQ
Being SunSmart
Is a suntan healthy?
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan results from your body defending itself against further damage from UV radiation.
Can you get sunburnt on a cloudy day?
Yes. Up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover. UV radiation levels can be high, and even increase, due to reflection from clouds. Also, the cooler temperature may mislead people to believe there is no risk of sunburn.
Can you get sunburnt while in water?
Yes. Water offers only minimal protection from UV radiation and the reflection from water can increase your UV radiation exposure.
If I take regular breaks during sunbathing can I get sunburnt?
Yes. UV radiation is cumulative during the day.
Can I get sunburnt through glass?
Yes. Glass reduces, but does not block, UV radiation. People who spend long periods in a car or next to a window receiving direct sunlight, should use protection.
If the temperature is not that high am I still at risk?
Yes. Sunburn is caused by UV radiation that cannot be felt. The temperature, or heating effect, is caused by the sun’s infrared radiation and not by UV radiation. Temperature and UV radiation levels are not related.
Am I at risk of sunburn in winter?
Usually no except when you are at high altitudes or in snow. The higher you go there is less atmosphere to filter ultraviolet radiation. Snow is highly reflective and increases the risk of burning. Exposed skin needs to be well protected by sunscreen.
What is Ultraviolet Protection Factor?
The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) shows how effective a fabric is at blocking out ultraviolet radiation. This testing follows Australian/New Zealand standards (AS/NZS4399).
UPF ratings range from 15 to 50. A higher rating means more effective blocking and better protection.
- UPF15 to 24 = good protection
- UPF25 to 39 = very good protection
- UPF40 to 50+ = excellent protection
What is SPF?
SPF is the 'sun protection factor'. The SPF number shows how much protection against UVB and some UVA radiation that a sunscreen provides. The higher the number, the more UV radiation is filtered, and the greater the protection.
SPF is not precise, but gives a general guide to sun protection. No matter how high the SPF rating, no sunscreen can filter all UV radiation. All sunscreens allow some UV radiation to pass through to the skin.
We recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. We also recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Why don’t we see ‘burn time’ in the media anymore?
‘Burn time’ was used as a way of measuring your risk of sunburn. However, it was misleading and potentially dangerous. Burn time did not take into account different skin types – a fair-skinned person cannot take as much UV radiation as an olive-skinned person. UV index is used now.
I don’t understand the ultraviolet index and it doesn’t tell me how long I can stay out in the sun. How do I work that out?
The UVI or UV index is a measure of the UV radiation in the environment – the higher the UV index number the higher your risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Anything from 3 and above means you require protection. To help you work out how best to protect yourself find out the UV index in your region and get your own personal recommendations. It is difficult to suggest how long people can safely stay out in the sun, as there are a number of factors to take into consideration such as skin type.
What’s the best way to use sunscreen?
Choose a sunscreen that meets the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS2604 (check the back of the bottle to see if it meets the standard). We recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. We also recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Wipe sunscreen on thickly at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply sunscreen 15 minutes after the first application to ensure full coverage and also after physical activity, swimming or towel drying. Sunscreen should not be used as a way to stay out in the sun longer, but as a way of reducing your risk. Sunscreen should be used along with other protection such as a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt and shade.
I want to build a shade structure. How do I spend my money for the best result?
Built shade plays an important role in protecting New Zealanders from UV radiation and creating comfortable, enjoyable outdoor living spaces. Shade structures need to be designed to protect users from both direct and indirect UV radiation, as well as being warm and attractive. For more information go to the Creating Shade page.
Can I get the benefit of Vitamin D from the sun without the risk of skin damage?
Yes. Enough sun exposure is needed to maintain adequate vitamin D levels, but too much sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer. A balance is needed between the two.
People with fair skin can achieve their Vitamin D levels in summer by exposing their face, arms and hands to a few minutes of sunlight outside of peak UV radiation periods (11am to 4pm, September to March). People who have darker skin will need a longer exposure time to achieve the same effect. To achieve sufficient Vitamin D without sunburn, it is better to expose larger areas of skin for shorter periods than exposing smaller areas of skin for longer periods.
You can still be SunSmart and avoid sunburn while achieving vitamin D levels. Sensible sun protection (slip, slop, slap and wrap) between September and March should not put you at risk of vitamin D deficiency. And, sunburn should always be avoided. Read more.
Are sun beds a safe way to get UV radiation?
There is no evidence sun beds are safe. They increase the risk of melanoma, particularly for people with fair skin under the age of 30. Unlike Australia and other countries, New Zealand does not have mandatory standards for sun bed operators. Sun beds and solariums emit much higher levels of UV radiation than the sun – up to five times as strong as the midday summer sun! Using sun beds or other UV radiation tanning devices is not recommended. Read more.
The wind burnt me, not the sun – right?
Wrong. It is UV radiation from the sun that causes skin to burn. Wind lowers the temperature of the air, making it easy to underestimate the risk of harmful exposure to UV radiation.
I tan easily. Is my skin less likely to be damaged by the sun?
No. Any exposure to UV radiation has the potential to cause skin damage. Sunburn and peeling are signs some damage has already occurred – even if it turns into a tan. The tan you develop won’t protect you from the harmful effects of the harsh New Zealand sun.
I have had sunburn but now I protect my skin. Am I safe from developing skin cancer?
You can’t undo damage that may have already occurred to your skin, but you can prevent future sunburn to minimise any further risk.
Skin cancer
What do I look for if I’m checking myself for skin cancer?
Be aware of any changes in your skin and watch for new or changing freckles, moles or lumps. See your doctor immediately if a freckle, mole or lump is changing in size, shape or colour or you have a sore that doesn’t heal.
How often should I check my skin?
Regularly. Make it part of your routine throughout the year. Get a family member or friend to help you check difficult-to-see areas such as your back and neck.
Do I have to be careful if I have dark skin?
Yes. New Zealand has periods of very high UV radiation meaning that everyone, regardless of skin type, is at risk of skin cancer or damage to their eyes.
I have fair skin, my sister doesn’t. Is there a way to work out what each of us should do to be SunSmart?
It is always best to be cautious. When in doubt protect yourself very well. Check out the Who needs to be careful? and Who is at risk? sections for more information.
I’m over 40, so is it too late for me to bother protecting myself?
No, it is not too late. There are different types of cancers with different triggers. Skin cancers, skin damage and premature ageing can be reduced.
Why are New Zealand’s skin cancer rates so high?
It is a combination of factors such as our outdoor lifestyles, fair skin, and clear skies. The earth’s tilt means New Zealand is closer to the sun, so we are exposed to more UV radiation. We also have comfortable temperatures that mean we often enjoy being outside when the temperature is pleasant while the UV radiation levels are actually extremely high.
Does melanoma occur only on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun?
No, melanoma can occur anywhere on the body.
What should I do if I’m worried about a spot, mole or lump?
See your doctor. Most non-melanoma skin cancers are usually removed in a doctor's surgery.
SunSmart communities
I am running an outdoor event where there is little shade. What can I do?
Try to place busy spots such as registration desks in the available shade. Your local Cancer Society or local council may have shade shelters for loan. Consider buying or borrowing tents or gazebos to create shade. If appropriate, advise participants to bring some portable shade for themselves such as beach umbrellas or gazebos.
Where can I borrow shade shelters for my event?
Your local Cancer Society or local council may run a shade loan scheme.
Where can I apply for funding for a new shade structure at my child’s school?
Your best avenue will be community trusts and grants boards. The SunSmart Schools website has a template for applying for school shade funding.
I want my sports club to be a SunSmart club. What can I do?
The first place to start is by developing a sun protection policy. Check out the SunSmart Fact Pack (PDF, 1.7MB) and sample sun protection policy (PDF, 466KB).
I’d like my local park to have more shade. What can I do?
Parks and public recreation spaces are usually run by your local council. Check out the Working with local councils section to find out more.
I’d like some posters for my event, where can I get these?
Check out our resources and merchandise page to find out what’s available and how to order it.