Persistent sunscreen myths and some sunscreen marketing are putting New Zealanders’ health at risk and a Consumer NZ’s sunscreen expert is urging Kiwis to rethink what they think they know about sunscreen.
Consumer’s sunscreen expert, Belinda Castles, says misleading marketing and persistent sunscreen and tanning myths can leave New Zealanders overpaying, or under-protected, when it comes to sunscreen.
“Every summer I’m asked the same questions – from whether you need kids’ sunscreen, to whether higher SPFs really make a difference, as well as what sunscreen I personally use. That’s a question I’m reluctant to answer, because sunscreen’s effectiveness depends on how it is used,” says Castles.
“In the New Zealand environment, the best sunscreen is any you actually apply! But you have to apply it properly too – a lot and often. Don’t assume sunscreen is all you need either. It’s important to limit your time in the sun when the sun’s rays are most intense and to wear protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.”
Castles debunks three myths, and the first is that children need a special sunscreen. Kids don’t necessarily need a special sunscreen and “best protection for babies and toddlers is staying in the shade and using sun-protection clothing.”
This is also a myth and misconception higher SPF sunscreens – eg., SPF30, SPF50, don’t need to be reapplied as often. “All sunscreens, regardless of SPF, should be reapplied every 2 hours while you’re outside,” says Castles.
The sunscreen expert also debunks the myth having a tan means you don’t need as much sunscreen. “A tan is a sign that skin damage has already started, you need to be even more careful about protecting it…There is no such thing as a safe tan,” says Castles.
When you are looking for a sunscreen, Castles says, “I look first at how recently its SPF was tested. That’s an important consideration when buying sunscreen, given inconsistencies and lack of regulation about how often they’re tested in Aotearoa…Don’t assume the priciest sunscreen offers the best protection.”
Castles says previous Consumer testing has found both cheap and expensive sunscreens meet their sun-protection claims.
New Zealand’s most comprehensive database of sunscreens is hosted on Consumer NZ’s website, and “this makes it easy for you to choose a sunscreen you can confidently rely on,” says Belinda Castles.
