Don't be blinded by the light this summer, writes Penelope Scott. Stay SunSmart.
It's the season for fabulous sunny weather, but sun exposure has both risks and benefits.
It's important to get enough sun to make vitamin D but too much of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk of skin cancer.
Episodes of sunburn and too much exposure to the sun over time cause about 90% of skin cancers.
We need to protect our skin from sun damage because in New Zealand we have levels of UV radiation that are 40% higher than countries at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere due to our pollution-free, clear skies and lower ozone levels.
The elliptical orbit of Earth around the sun also means we are closer to the sun in our summer. New Zealand and Australia have the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
Skin damage
It's important to note that although the skin heals following sunburn, it is forever damaged, as it never forgets. All that UV radiation exposure accumulates over your life causing the skin to sag, spot and wrinkle.
Your skin type is also important. Fair-skinned people burn faster than people with olive or brown skin but every skin type can burn, be damaged and get skin cancer.
So no matter what skin type you have, you need to control how much UV radiation your skin gets.
Skin cancer is easily prevented
To prevent skin cancer, the Cancer Society recommends sun protection during peak UV times. These are from September to the beginning of April, especially between 10am and 4pm, even on cooler or cloudy days.
Five steps to sun protection
1. Slip on sun-protective clothing. Tops with collars and sleeves to the elbow and shorts or skirts to the knees are recommended. Rash tops are the best protection for skin when around water as ordinary clothing doesn't protect skin when it is wet.
2. Slop on sunscreen. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, with a rating of SPF30+ or higher, on areas of skin not covered by clothing. Be cautious about using sunscreen on children under 12 months old. Test it on a small patch of skin first. Use water-resistant sunscreen when around water.
3. Slap on a hat. Broad-brimmed or bucket hats (minimum 5cm brim for pre-school children) are best and will give protection to the face, neck, ears and eyes. Caps do not provide enough protection to these parts of body.
4. Wrap on some sunglasses. Wraparound styles are best and make sure they meet the Australian/New Zealand standard. Too much sun can damage your eyesight.
5. Slip into some shade. Use trees, verandas, umbrellas, gazebos and shade sails for outdoor activities at peak UV times.
Changeable weather
Be prepared for sun protection no matter what the weather is when you head outdoors. New Zealand is known for its changeable weather and it is easy to be caught out when the sun comes out.
Outdoor workers
Too much UV radiation from the sun is a workplace hazard. Outdoor workers in New Zealand are exposed to high levels of UV radiation for long periods.
This increases the risk of skin cancer. It is particularly important for outdoor workers to protect themselves as cumulative UV exposure over many hours outdoors is very harmful to skin.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation facts
The UV Index measures the strength of UV radiation outside. It is a useful tool that tells you when you need sun protection.
Sun protection is recommended when the UV Index is three or more.
This is generally the case in the lower South Island from September until the beginning of April. In winter the UV Index can be three or more in the mountains and snow at high altitude.
The Niwa website has the UV Index levels for your area. Go to: www.niwa.co.nz/UV-forecasts
Sunscreen questions and answers
Why should I use sunscreen?
You can help reduce your risk of skin cancer by using sunscreen the right way. Using sunscreen is just one of the steps you can take to be SunSmart and it provides a screen or filter from the sun's rays.
What type of sunscreen should I buy?
Ensure the sunscreen is broad spectrum - this protects you from both UVA and UVB radiation. Choose a sunscreen of SPF30+ or higher. Sunscreens labelled AS/NZS2604 are recommended. Store sunscreen in a cool place so that it is kept below 30degC and check expiry dates.
Why should I apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before I go outside?
This gives the sunscreen time to form a physical barrier (a cover) on the skin.
Can children apply their own sunscreen?
It depends on your child's age and how responsible they are. The Cancer Society suggests you supervise young children when applying sunscreen to ensure an even coating on all areas of exposed skin.
How much sunscreen should I use?
Aim for at least a teaspoon for each arm and leg, and half a teaspoon for your face, ears and neck.
Should I put on more sunscreen during the day?
You should reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours or more often when swimming or sweating.
Will sunscreen damage my skin?
Before using a sunscreen, try a patch test. Put a small amount behind your knee or on your wrist (or your child's) at least 24 hours before you plan to use it. Stop using the sunscreen if your skin changes colour or becomes sore.
Can I burn if I use sunscreen?
Sunscreen is just one part of being SunSmart. The reasons for sunburn could be:
- you haven't used all the SunSmart steps (slip, slop, slap, wrap and seek shade).
- you haven't put on enough sunscreen the SPF rating of the sunscreen is not high enough (e.g. under 30SPF)
- you've exercised or swum and your sunscreen has rubbed off
- you've been out in the sun for too long
-your sunscreen has passed its expiry date (it's too old)
- your sunscreen has not been stored correctly.
Some myths about being healthy in the sun
Getting sunburned is part of a Kiwi summer.
False. Sunburn isn't cool. It's painful, ugly, stops you doing the things you like, damages your skin and can lead to skin cancer. Burning and peeling are signs your skin is already damaged, even if it turns into a tan.
Suntans are healthy.
False. There is no such thing as a ''healthy tan''. If your skin turns brown, it's a sign that there's already skin damage, even if there is no redness or peeling. Tanning can speed up the ageing process, making you look older sooner.
A tan means I won't get sunburnt.
False. A tan won't protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UV). If you have a tan, it means your skin has already been damaged.
I don't need to protect my skin on cloudy days.
False. Even on cloudy days, the UV from the sun is fierce enough to cause sunburn. In fact, UV levels can be higher on cloudy days, due to reflection from clouds.
I don't need to protect my skin on cooler days.
False. You can still get sunburnt on cooler days. Wind can lower the air temperature, making it easy to forget the sun is still strong.
I use sunscreen, so I won't get skin damage.
False. It takes more than sunscreen to protect your skin for life. For the best protection, also put on a hat, sunnies and a long-sleeved shirt and hang out in the shade whenever you can. Make sure you use plenty of SPF30+ sunscreen and reapply it every two hours.
As long as I use sunscreen, I can stay in the sun all day.
False. Sunscreen shouldn't be used as a means of staying out in the sun longer. Get into the shade and put on a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt as well. And apply more sunscreen every two hours.
I have dark/olive skin, so I can't get sunburnt.
False. Even dark skin can be damaged and sunburnt. You need to protect your skin just like your lighter-skinned mates.
I can't get sunburnt through glass.
False. Glass reduces but doesn't block out all UV light. So protect your skin from sun damage when you're cruising on your road trips this summer.
Penelope Scott is health promotion manager at the Cancer Society, Otago and Southland Division.