Slop on sunscreen│Pania he kirīmi pare tīkākā I mua I te putanga ki waho I te whare
Always use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
Sunscreen is a lotion, spray or gel that forms a protective barrier on our bodies. It absorbs or reflects some of the sun's UV radiation that goes through our skin's surface.
When used in combination with other methods of protection such as wearing clothing (including a wide-brimmed hat and close-fitting sunglasses) and sitting in shade, sunscreen will help protect against sunburn. Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap
If our skin is exposed to UV radiation for too long it will become sunburnt. For many of us, our sunburnt skin will look pink, or even red, and may be painful to touch.
No matter how high the sunscreen's Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is, some of the sun's UV radiation can reach our skin.
Apply Sunscreen
Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.
Apply your sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.
Reapply at least every two hours - or more often if you have been swimming or sweating.
You need to apply more than you think.
Use lots of ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen
How much sunscreen do you need if you’re an average-sized adult? You need about seven teaspoons (35 mL) of sunscreen for one full body application.
You should apply about one teaspoon of sunscreen to:
- your face, ears and neck
- each leg
- each arm
- the front of your body
- the back of your body.
UV radiation from the sun has UVA and UVB radiation that reach the earth. Both types can cause damage to your skin and eyes.
Learn more about UV radiation.
Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF30. Broad-spectrum sunscreen reduces the intensity of both UVA and UVB radiation. No sunscreen provides 100% protection from UV radiation, however, a sunscreen with SPF30 will protect you from around 96.7% of UVB radiation.
Babies need protecting from the sun
Babies' skin is very fragile so try to keep them out of direct sunlight. This is especially important between 10am and 4pm from September to April.
Babies should be protected by shade, clothing and broad-brimmed hats.
Sunscreen should only be used on small areas of a baby's skin and should not be the only form of protection from the sun.
If you do use sunscreen on a baby make sure it is labelled for sensitive skin or suitable for children.
Do a 'patch test' before applying a new sunscreen. Apply a small amount of sunscreen on the inside of the forearm for a few days to check if the skin reacts, before applying it to the rest of the body. If any unusual reaction occurs, such as skin redness, swelling, itching or blistering, stop using the product and see your doctor. Some people can also develop an allergic reaction to sunscreen after repeated use.
We don't recommend use of sunscreen on babies under six months. They should be kept in the shade as much as possible.
Reapply sunscreen often
Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.
Reapply your sunscreen every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.
Even if your sunscreen says it’s water resistant and will give you four hours of protection, reapply every two hours.
Check the use-by date
Check your sunscreen's label to confirm it isn’t past its use-by date (expired). Expired sunscreen won't protect you.
Store properly
Store your sunscreen according to the label's instructions.
As a guide, store your sunscreen:
- away from direct sunlight
- in a cool, dark place.
Watch the time
Sunscreen helps reduce exposure to UV radiation, but that’s all. It should not be used to increase the amount of time you can spend in the sun.
If you’re going to be outside whenever the UV index is 3 or above, use all the SunSmart steps to protect yourself – Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap.
Check the Sun Protection Alert
The Sun Protection Alert gives you the time each day when you need to protect your skin and eyes.
How to apply sunscreen
Sunscreen FAQs
More SunSmart behaviours
Slap on a hat