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Explain how to be Sun Smart

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Instructions

Information from: http://sunsmart.org.nz/being-sunsmart


HOW CAN I BE SUNSMART

Being SunSmart is about protecting skin and eyes from damaging UV radiation.
From September to April when outdoors:
Slip - into a long-sleeved shirt and into the shade. Generally, fabrics with a tighter weave and darker colours will give you greater protection from the sun. Some clothing is sold with a UV radiation Protection Factor (UPF) rating. Clothing with a UPF of 50+ offers superior protection and could be an ideal choice for outdoor workers.
Slop - on plenty of broad-spectrum (filters both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours. Reapply more frequently if sweating or swimming.
Slap - on a hat with a wide-brim or a cap with flaps. This will help reduce the risk of sunburn to your face, ears and neck. These are the most common places where we get sunburnt.
Wrap - on a pair of close-fitting sunglasses. When buying sunglasses, look for the words 'good UV protection' on the label or swing tag.
Remember to always protect skin and eyes when you're in the mountains, or around reflective surfaces like snow and water, when UV levels are damaging.



WHY IS SUNBURN SO BAD?
Sunburn can lead to melanoma and other skin cancers later in life and should be avoided.
Research continues into how skin cancers are formed, and what type of UV exposure has the worst effects. Sunburn is painful and potentially deadly, so cover up to avoid getting sunburnt.


SUNSMART MYTHS

1) I can’t get sunburnt on a cloudy day.
False: You can still get sunburnt on a cloudy day. This is because UV radiation can get through light cloud cover, so unprotected skin can still be damaged.

2) Temperature gives me a good idea of the the chances of getting sunburnt.
False: The heat from the sun is caused by infrared radiation, not ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can still be high even on a cool day, when infrared radiation is low. Just think about how easy it is to get sunburnt on the skifields when it can be very cold.

3) I'm windburnt not sunburnt.
False: Your windburn is sunburn caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The wind may make you feel cooler but UV radiation can still be high even on a windy day. Just think about why you don't get windburn if you're out in the dark on a windy night.

4) Sunscreen blocks out all UV radiation.
False: No sunscreen filters out all UV radiation – that’s why you need to limit your time in the sun no matter what sunscreen you’re using and cover up.

5) Getting badly sunburnt before the age of 20 increases my risk of getting melanoma skin cancer later on.
True: If you have a history of one or more sunburns before you turn 20, research suggests you have a much higher chance of getting melanoma skin cancer as you age.

6) Wearing a t-shirt in the water is as sun protective as a rash shirt.
False: A wet t-shirt may offer only half the protection it does when it is dry. If you are going to be in the water, a rash shirt and sunscreen is a good form of protection. A full body wetsuit gives better protection.

Tags

• hat
• Sun Smart
• sunglasses
• SunScreen

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