Body & Fitness

Gemma McCaw on the importance of staying sun smart

Take special care of your skin this summer and slip, slop, slap!

The recent sunshine has given everyone something to smile about!

We Kiwis love our daily dose of vitamin D, but while it plays a huge role in maintaining healthy bones, New Zealand also has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. With this in mind, we must ensure we are protecting our skin and encouraging our loved ones to do the same. And just in case you need another reason to be sun smart, too much exposure can cause premature signs of ageing, like wrinkles and age spots.

Sunblock

Make sunscreen part of your daily skincare routine. Look for products that contain at least SPF 30, as this guarantees protection. It only takes 15 minutes of sun exposure to burn, so remember to re-apply every two hours – especially if you’re swimming or sweating. UV rays can damage our bodies all year round, but extra preventative steps should be taken in the summer when the risk is at its highest.

Know your own skin

Keep an eye out for changes on your body and look for any new moles or bumps, or places where your skin has changed colour. If moles have changed in size, colour, texture or shape, consult your doctor right away.

Seek shade

Make a conscious effort to limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10am-2pm, when UV rays are the strongest. Seek shade when outdoors and cover up where possible. Choose to sit at cafés with umbrellas or relax under trees at the park.

Accessorise

Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. It is so important to protect your eyes to minimise the risk of developing health issues like cataracts.

Check it out

Ensure you make an annual appointment with a dermatologist or doctor to check your skin. Mole removal can be painless and skin cancer is easier to treat when detected early.

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