Using sunscreen

There are plenty of sunscreens on the supermarket and chemist shelves and, so long as it is a broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen, choosing one really comes down to what you prefer.

No matter what sunscreen you’ve selected, for it to be effective it must be used correctly.

• Use a broad-spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen, at least 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating, even if your sunscreen says it’s waterproof and good for four hours.
• Don’t think sunscreen means you can stay out in the sun for longer – it is just one way of reducing your risk of skin damage.

What does ‘broad-spectrum’ mean?

The sun’s light contains a few different categories of ultraviolet rays, particularly UVA and UVB rays, which both contribute to sunburn, skin cancer and wrinkling. Many basic sunscreens are pretty good at blocking out UVB (burning rays), but not UVA (ageing rays). Broad-spectrum means the sunscreen will block out both UVA and UVB.

New Zealanders’ use of sunscreen

Despite New Zealand’s high levels of UV radiation, unfortunately at present we’re not very good at using sunscreen. In fact, only 50% of New Zealanders use sunscreen, and fewer than half of those people reapply it. Sunscreen is an important factor in avoiding sunburn, skin damage and skin cancers, but it can only work properly if it’s reapplied at least every two hours.

How much sunscreen should you use?

The short answer is, probably more than you think. 

Most people don’t put on enough sunscreen, and so don’t get its full protection. You need to use 35mls of sunscreen for your whole body – including face, hands, neck and ears. That equates to seven teaspoons of sunscreen per application, or a good cupped palm-full.