Frequently Asked Questions

Is a suntan healthy?: A tan results from your body defending itself against further damage from UV radiation so – no.
Does a tan protect you from the sun?: A dark tan on fair skin offers only limited protection equivalent to an SPF of about 4.
Can you get sunburnt on a cloudy day?: Yes as up to 80% of solar UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover.
Can you get sunburnt while in water?: Yes as water offers only minimal protection from UV radiation, and reflections from water can enhance your UV radiation exposure.
If I take regular breaks during sunbathing can I get sunburnt?: UV radiation is cumulative during the day so yes you can
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 suns infrared radiation and not by UV radiation. Temperature and UV levels are not related.
UV radiation during winter?: UVR is generally lower during winter, but snow reflection can double your overall exposure, especially at high altitude. Pay particular attention to early spring when temperatures are low but the sun's rays are unexpectedly strong.
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 or moles. Consult a doctor immediately if a freckle or mole is growing larger or changing in shape or colour.
Why don't we see Burn Time in the media anymore?: Burn Time was used as a way of measuring your risk of burning. However, it could be misleading, and was often misused. For example, when burn time was promoted as being 15 minutes, some people would stay out unprotected for 14 minutes. It did not take into account the different skin types – a fair skinned person cannot take as much Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) as an olive skinned person.
I don't quite 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 Ultraviolet Index is a measure of the Ultraviolet Radiation in the environment – the higher the Index the higher your risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Anything from an Index of 6 and above means you require protection. To help you work out how best to protect yourself check out the UV risk table (hyperlink) on this site. It is difficult to suggest how long people can stay out for as there are a number of variables to take into consideration – such as skin type.
Do I have to be careful if I have olive skin?: Yes. New Zealand has periods of very high Ultraviolet Radiation meaning that everyone, regardless of skin type, should be aware of the risk of skin damage. Many people with olive skin under estimate how much protection they need.
I have fair skin, my sister doesn't. Is there a way to work out what each of us should do to be SunSmart?: Yes, it is always best to err on the side of caution. That is, when in doubt protect yourself very well. You can also check out the www.sunsmart.co.nz website which has a risk table based on variables such as your individual skin type.
I understand you get most of your Ultraviolet Radiation when you're young. 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 cancer's with different triggers. So while melanoma may be linked to bad sunburn when you're young there are other types that are linked to cumulative exposure during your life time.
Why are New Zealand's skin cancer rates so high?: It's a combination of factors such as our outdoor lifestyles, fair skins, and clear skies. Earth's tilt means NZ is closer to the sun, and we have comfortable temperatures that mean we often enjoy being outside when the temperature is pleasant but the Ultraviolet Radiation is extremely high.
What's the best way to use sunscreen?: Choose a sunscreen that meets the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS2604. Use an SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. Wipe it on thickly at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply: do this 15 minutes after the first application to ensure complete coverage, and also after physical activity, swimming or towel drying. Sunscreen should not be used as a means of staying out in the sun longer, but as a way of reducing your risk.
I want to build a shade structure. How do I spend my money for the best result?: Built shade has an important role in protecting New Zealanders from skin cancer and creating enjoyable outdoor living spaces. Shade structures need to be designed to protect users from both direct and indirect UVR, as well as being warm and attractive.
For further information on designing shade refer to 'Undercover – Guidelines for shade planning and design'. The publication is available at a cost of $20 from your local Cancer Society.
If I stay out of the sun will I get enough Vitamin D?: Exposure to the sun to get Vitamin D varies according to skin type. Generally darker skinned populations need more – for most people about 30 minutes exposure a day is enough. Ensure that most of this exposure is outside the hours of 11am to 4pm when the Ultraviolet radiation levels are at their highest, and therefore, most dangerous. Click here to view the New Zealand Position Statement "The Risks and Benefits of UV Exposure" which looks at the issue of vitamin D and sunlight exposure.
Is using a sunbed (solaria) a safer way to get a tan?: There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that obtaining a solarium tan is safer than tanning in the sun. UV rays from a solarium are more intense than natural sunlight. A solarium can emit ultraviolet radiation (UVR) up to five times as strong as the summer midday sun. Solaria produce UVR. It is also produced by the sun and is responsible for skin cancer.