Sun safety - myths and misconceptions    

There are many myths and misconceptions about sun care. For starters, suntans are not healthy, nor do they offer sufficient protection from the sun. The fact remains that sunscreen and sun avoidance are Kiwis' only protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Anyone who feels they need to separate the facts from the fiction should go to the SunSmart website for further information. But here are just a few answers to those frequently asked questions.

Does a tan protect you from the sun?

A dark tan on fair skin offers only limited protection equivalent to a sun protection factor (SPF) of about 4.

Do I have to be careful if I have olive skin?

Yes, New Zealand has periods of very high UV radiation, meaning that everyone, regardless of skin type, should be aware of the risk of skin damage. Many people with olive skin underestimate how much protection they need.

Can you get sunburnt on a cloudy day?

Yes, as up to 80% of solar UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover.

If the temperature is not that high am I still at risk?

Yes, sunburn is caused by UV radiation that cannot be felt. The temperature, or heating effect, is caused by the sun's infrared radiation and not by UV radiation. Temperature and UV levels are not related.

Do sunscreens allow me to sunbathe much longer?

Sunscreens should not be the only or main form of protection from the sun. They should also not be used to increase sun exposure time, but as additional protection during unavoidable exposure or on those parts of the body that cannot otherwise be covered. The protection they afford depends very much on the frequency, evenness and thickness of application.

If I take regular breaks during sunbathing can I get sunburnt?

UV radiation is cumulative during the day so, yes, you can.

Can you get sunburnt in the water?

Water offers only minimal protection from UV radiation, and reflection from water can enhance your UV radiation exposure.

Do I only need to be concerned with sunbathing? How much risk is there from basic daily activities?

Overexposure to UV can occur without even realising it and, if there's been a change in the weather or you've not noticed the weather, it can happen when you least expect it! Grocery shopping, walking the kids home from school or sitting outside for lunch can all create UV exposure. These minutes and hours accumulate and can add up to quite a lot over the course of a week. To protect against incidental damage, make sure a hat, sleeved top and sunscreen are always handy when you're out and about!

I don't quite understand the Ultraviolet Index and it doesn't tell me how long I can stay out in the sun. How do I work that out?

The UV Index is a measure of the UV radiation level in the environment - the higher the Index, the higher your risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Anything from an UV Index of 3 and above means you require protection.

I understand you get most of your UV radiation when you're young. I'm over 40 so is it too late for me to bother protecting myself?

No, it is not too late. There are different types of cancers with different triggers. So while melanoma may be linked to occasional episodes of sunburn, especially when you're young, there are other types that are linked to cumulative exposure during your lifetime.

If I stay out of the sun will I get enough vitamin D?

Exposure to the sun to get vitamin D varies according to skin type, time of year and time of day. Generally, darker skinned people need more - for most people about 30 minutes exposure a day is enough but this depends on the time of day and time of year. Between early October and late March, when UV levels are high or extreme, ensure most of this exposure is before 11am or after 4pm. In winter, you can safely enjoy the sun but, if you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, consult your doctor.

What do I look for if I'm checking myself for skin cancer?

Be aware of any changes in your skin and watch for new or changing freckles or moles. Consult a doctor immediately if a freckle or mole is growing larger or changing in shape or colour or itches.

Related topics

Also see Skin self-examination and Melanoma and Types of skin cancer

Visit the SunSmart website for more information.

Original material from SunSmart and Pharmacy Today. Updated in February 2008 by everybody.