From Spring to Autumn the sun in New Zealand is at its hottest, outside of these seasons when you’re out on the water, on the slopes it’s also important to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and sunglasses.
It’s been a long-standing summer chant, Slip Slop Slap Wrap, here are some great ways to keep cool while in the sun.
Cover up
Pop on a light shirt with long sleeves. SunSmart recommends fabrics with a tighter weave and darker colours as they will give you better protection from the sun. Take your own shade with you, wear a full brimmed large hat to protect the delicate skin on your face, ears, and neck. Don’t forget your eyes they need sun protection too, pop on a pair of sunglasses that wrap closely to the shape of your face.
Seek out shade outdoors
Seek out shade when outdoors especially between 10 am - 4 pm, it’s important that the shade is adequate, as not all shade provides the protection against harmful UVB choose a sun umbrella versus a leafy tree. Plan your outdoor activities for early or later in the day when the sun's UV levels are lower.
Apply sunscreen and reapply
Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen every single day is proven to be the most effective way of preventing skin cancer. Apply at least an SPF 30 full broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, the application is key cover your skin and massage the sunscreen in, don’t forget to reapply, and seek out shade to minimise your sun exposure.
