Being SunSmart is about practising sun safety behaviours - seeking protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays. By promoting SunSmart, and increasing sun safety behaviours by New Zealanders, it is hoped there will be a reduction in skin cancer incidence and morbidity rates. Our high rate of skin cancer, and melanoma in particular, is disturbing, especially as most melanoma is preventable.
Slip into a shirt - and slip into some shade, especially between 11am and 4pm when the ultraviolet rays are most fierce.
Slop on some sunscreen before going outdoors:
- Put sunscreen on any skin not covered by clothes.
- 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.
Slap on a hat with a brim or a cap with flaps. More people get burned on the face and neck than any other part of the body, so a good hat is important.
Wrap on a pair of sunglasses. Choose close fitting, wrap-around glasses that meet the Australian Standard AS1067.
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