Be SunSmart

Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. Protect your skin and eyes from the sun's damaging rays (UV radiation).

Learn how to be SunSmart

It's super easy. Just click on the coloured dots below.

You should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.

Slip into the shade of an umbrella or a leafy tree.

half a teaspoon of sunscreen to face, ears and neck.

Wide-brimmed hats protect the face, neck and ears.

Slip on a shirt with long sleeves.

Close fitting wrap around sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation.

1 teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm or leg.

Fact: You can be sunburnt on cool or cloudy days.

Protect yourself when you're outside from September to April.

Protect yourself all year round when you are:

  • in the mountains
  • out on the water
  • around reflective surfaces like snow and ice.

Slip on a shirt

Slip on a shirt with long sleeves. Fabrics with a tighter weave and darker colours will give you better protection from the sun.

Slip into the shade

Slip into the shade of an umbrella or a leafy tree. Plan your outdoor activities for early or later in the day when the sun's UV levels are lower.

Slop on sunscreen

Slop on plenty of broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours and especially after being in water or sweating.

Slap on a hat

Wear a hat with a wide brim or a cap with flaps. More people are sunburnt on the face and neck than any other part of the body.

Wrap on sunglasses

Choose close fitting, wrap around style sunglasses. Not all sunglasses protect against UV radiation, so always check the label for the sun protection rating.

Read the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) information on sunglasses.