Best sun protection in NZ: How to buy and use sunscreen

We’ve answered all your questions about buying, storing and using sunscreen, starting with how to read the packaging.

How to read a sunscreen label

1. SPF

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures protection mainly against sunburn-causing UVB rays. Higher numbers mean greater protection, up to SPF50+.

2. Protection description

Most sunscreens include a description of the protection they provide:

• Low: SPF 4, 6, 8 or 10

• Medium or moderate: SPF 15, 20, 25

• High: SPF 30, 40 or 50

• Very high: SPF 50+

3. Broad-spectrum protection

Protects against UVA and UVB radiation.

4. Water resistance

Water-resistant sunscreen has been tested to ensure it keeps you protected during water exposure. Sunscreens can claim to be water-resistant for anywhere from 40 minutes to four hours.

5. Active sunscreen ingredients

Sunscreen’s active ingredients can be divided into mineral ingredients (sometimes called physical or natural ingredients) and chemical ingredients.

6. Expiry date

This may be an expiry date, or a production date with an expiry symbol. You may need a magnifying glass to read the details, though, as some are well-hidden and written in tiny type!

Understanding UV and SPF

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB?

The sun exposes you to two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays – UVA and UVB. Both types can cause skin cancer, which is the most common cancer affecting New Zealanders.

There’s a handy way to remember the difference.

• A is for Ageing – UVA is the type of UV light that penetrates deepest through the dermal layer and causes premature skin ageing, such as wrinkles and spots. UVA rays are dangerous because there’s no immediate sign of burning like with UVB rays.

• B is for Burning – UVB rays harm the top layer of your skin in a shorter amount of time than UVA rays, resulting in sunburn.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect from both UVA and UVB rays.

What do the SPF numbers mean?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures protection mainly against sunburn-causing UVB rays. Higher numbers mean greater protection, up to SPF50+. The number shows how much longer protected skin takes to redden than unprotected skin.

For example, applied correctly, SPF30 gives about 30 times the protection of bare skin. However, no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays: SPF15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF30 blocks 97% and SPF50 blocks 98%.

Protection varies depending on skin type, activity, swimming and application.

What SPF do I need?

Choose SPF30 or higher – a higher SPF provides better protection against UVA radiation. The Cancer Society recommends SPF30 as the minimum for Aotearoa’s intense sun.

Choosing a sunscreen

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients?

Sunscreen active ingredients can be divided into mineral ingredients (sometimes called physical or natural ingredients) and chemical ingredients.

• Mineral ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) were previously thought to reflect or scatter UV radiation. Studies have since shown that they protect by primarily absorbing UV radiation. They are effective at protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation.

• Chemical ingredients (such as octinoxate or oxybenzone) contain organic (carbon-based) compounds that work by absorbing UV radiation. Chemical ingredients absorb either UVA or UVB, or both, so are often combined.

Are sunscreen ingredients safe?

Sunscreens use mineral or chemical active ingredients. Most safety concerns relate to chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate because of their potential endocrine (hormone) effects observed in animal and lab studies.

Researchers are still investigating what these findings mean for human health. The US Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission are reviewing several sunscreen ingredients to confirm they are safe and effective.

However, the New Zealand Dermatological Society (NZDSI) says this does not mean sunscreens are unsafe for use. After decades of use, no adverse effects have been identified and sunscreen’s benefits to protect the skin far outweigh the small risk of side effects.

NZDSI says the mineral sunscreen ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have an excellent safety profile. However, avoid aerosol sunscreens containing these ingredients because the spray can be accidentally inhaled.

Expert tip: To reduce the amount of sunscreen you use, cover up with sun protection UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)-rated clothing.

Do spray, roll-on, gel and stick sunscreens work?

All sunscreens if applied properly (enough and often) should protect you from the sun. The main difference between the different types is how they are applied. Always follow the application instructions to make sure you are applying them properly.

Do kids need a special sunscreen?

No. Children don’t need a special sunscreen. Sunscreens formulated for kids may have a mild base for sensitive skin, but there’s no reason why kids shouldn’t use the family sunscreen if it doesn’t cause irritation. Test a small amount on the inside of your child’s forearm for a few days to check if their skin reacts.

The New Zealand Dermatological Society Inc (NZDSI) recommends infants use mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens don’t irritate and provide excellent broad-spectrum protection.

Babies younger than six months shouldn’t have sunscreen applied unless shade and clothing won’t protect them enough. Infants have a thin skin barrier and are more likely to be irritated by the ingredients than adults. Keep babies and toddlers out of the sun as much as possible.

Do I need sunscreen if I have dark skin?

Yes. People with dark skin can still be affected by sunburn, premature skin ageing and skin cancer. Although skin cancer rates are highest among fair-skinned New Zealanders, Māori diagnosed with a skin cancer are 2.6 times more likely to die from it than non-Māori. This is the largest survival disparity between Māori and non-Māori of any cancer and is linked to later diagnosis among Māori.

What can I do if sunscreen irritates my skin or stings my eyes?

Certain ingredients in sunscreens can irritate some people. This may be due to sensitive skin or a reaction to one of the ingredients (a chemical, preservative or fragrance).

The active ingredients in sunscreens must be listed on the label. However, unlike other cosmetics, sunscreens are exempt from having to list all ingredients.

If sunscreen irritates your skin, stop using it and try a fragrance-free product formulated for sensitive skin. A mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be less irritating for some people.

To reduce eye stinging, avoid applying sunscreen too close to your eyes and consider using a sunscreen stick around the eye area. If sunscreen gets into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Seek medical advice if irritation is severe or does not settle.

How to use sunscreen

How much do I have to apply?

To provide good protection, sunscreen must be applied properly.

Apply plenty – adults need about 7 to 9 teaspoons of sunscreen for a full-body application. That’s about 2 teaspoons for each leg and 1 teaspoon for each arm, your back, your front and your face (which includes your neck and ears).

Do I really have to reapply every two hours?

Yes. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours that you’re outside. Dermatologist Dr Louise Reiche said one of the reasons for frequent application is to cover missed areas and where it may have rubbed off.

Reiche said reapplication is more important if you are active, or you’re using a lower SPF sunscreen such as SPF15.

It’s also important to reapply after swimming, mopping up sweat or towelling dry even if you’re using a water-resistant sunscreen.

Sunscreen needs to be applied at least 20 minutes before going outside. This gives it time to be absorbed into the skin to protect you.

Can I use body sunscreen on my face?

Yes. An SPF50+ body sunscreen provides the same protection as an SPF50+ face sunscreen. However, face sunscreens may feel lighter, be less greasy, sit better under makeup, sting the eyes less, or be better suited to sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Should I put sunscreen on before or after makeup?

Before. Wait for your sunscreen to dry (about 30 seconds), then apply your makeup.

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours you’re outside, even if you’re wearing makeup. Dr Reiche said a compromise is to use a tinted sunscreen and reapply that every two hours instead of using a foundation.

Can I mix sunscreen into my foundation?

No. As tempting as it may be, Dr Reiche said it's best not to blend the two products together.

“The problem is that the protective aspect of the sunscreen may be compromised when it mixes with other components in the makeup.”

Can I wear sunscreen and insect repellent together?

Yes. But according to Healthify He Puna Waiora, New Zealand’s largest independent health information website, it is best to apply the sunscreen first, let it dry and then apply insect repellent over the sunscreen.

We don’t recommend combined sunscreen and repellent products. Repellents usually last for several hours, whereas sunscreen should be reapplied more often, so you’ll be using more repellent than you need.

When to use sunscreen

When do I need to wear sunscreen?

Understanding the UV index (UVI) helps you know when the sun’s rays are the most damaging. It takes into account several factors, including the time of day, cloud cover, altitude and closeness to the equator.

The higher the UVI number, the greater the risk, and the less time it takes to cause skin and eye damage. In summer, New Zealand’s UVI can get up to 12 (but can exceed 13 in the far north). When the UVI is 3 or higher, sun protection is recommended. You can check local UV levels in the weather app on your phone.

Dr Reiche said if you’re going to be outside for three minutes or longer when the UVI is high, you should use sun protection, no matter your skin type or colour.

It’s also important to consider how long you’re outside. Spending long periods outside, even when the UVI is low and you don’t get sunburnt, can add up and cause skin damage.

Do I need to wear sunscreen all year round?

Not necessarily. In New Zealand, UV levels are generally lower than 3 between May and August, so you don’t usually need sunscreen. However, you should still apply sunscreen when you’re at the snow, because snow is highly reflective. On a sunny day, fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of UV radiation. UV radiation is also more intense at higher altitudes.

Remember that it’s the sun’s UV radiation – not temperature – that causes sunburn and damage.

Do I need to wear sunscreen when it’s cloudy?

Yes. According to the World Health Organization, UV rays can be high even on a cloudy day, so you still need to wear sunscreen if the UV index is 3 or higher.

Can I get burnt through my clothes?

Yes. UV radiation can pass through some fabrics, especially if they’re thin, loosely woven, light-coloured, stretched or wet. For better protection, choose clothing that covers more skin and is made from tightly woven fabric.

Clothing with a UPF rating of 50 or 50+ offers excellent protection.

Can I get burnt through a window?

Yes. UV rays (particularly UVA rays) can still pass through glass. If you’re spending long periods in the car or sitting beside a sunny window, it’s best to use sun protection.

Can I use sunscreen on my tattoo?

Yes, as long as the tattoo has fully healed. Sunscreen helps protect tattooed skin from sunburn, and can also protect the tattoo from fading caused by UV radiation.

Can I use sunscreen on inflamed or broken skin?

No. NZDSI advises against this because more of the ingredients may be absorbed. Instead, protect these areas with sun protection clothing labelled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF).

Can sunscreen stop me getting enough vitamin D?

No. Sunscreen does not cause vitamin D inadequacy, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. It filters rather than blocks UV radiation, so protected skin can still produce vitamin D, although more slowly.

If you expect to be outside for more than three minutes, apply sunscreen to exposed skin; it’s important you don’t get burnt while getting your vitamin D hit.

If you are concerned about vitamin D deficiency, talk to your doctor about whether you need to take a supplement.

Will I still get a tan if I wear sunscreen?

A tan is a sign of skin damage so it’s an indication you haven’t used enough sunscreen or applied it frequently enough.

Instead of getting a tan from the sun (or a sunbed), consider a fake tan product. Check out our trial of 12 fake tan options.

Does having a tan mean you don’t need as much sunscreen?

No. A tan is a sign that skin damage has already started. Any further UV exposure adds to the damage, increasing the risk of wrinkled, leathery skin and skin cancer later in life.

Storing sunscreen

How should I store sunscreen?

Store sunscreens out of direct sunlight or other hot places, such as your car’s glovebox.

Can I use sunscreen past its expiry date?

No. An expired sunscreen may still look, feel or smell normal, but its ingredients can separate over time, reducing UV protection.

If you can’t find a date, sunscreen should last two to three years if stored properly. But if you are using the recommended amount, you should run out before then.

How can I tell if sunscreen has gone bad?

If your sunscreen has separated or become gritty, lumpy, watery, discoloured or smells different, it may have deteriorated and shouldn’t be used even if it hasn’t reached its expiry date yet. If in doubt, throw it out.

Sunscreen concerns

Is sunscreen bad for the environment?

Most sunscreen ingredients have been detected in our oceans. Oxybenzone and octinoxate (also known as octyl methoxycinnamate) raise the most environmental concerns, especially in beach regions where they wash off into the water.

Sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in Hawaii, except when being used in prescription-only products. Other regions, such as the US Virgin Islands and Palau, have similar bans. Thailand has announced a ban of certain ingredients being used in its national parks.

Some sunscreens are promoted as “reef-safe” or ocean-friendly, but these claims are unregulated and used inconsistently. The science about sunscreens’ environmental effects is also still evolving, as our 2024 investigation found.

To minimise the amount of sunscreen entering the ocean, cover up with UV-protective clothing and skip the spray – aerosols cause sunscreen particles to fall onto the sand where they can be washed into the ocean.

How do I stop sunscreen from staining my clothes?

To help prevent sunscreen stains, let it dry before getting dressed so there’s less chance of it getting on your clothes.

If it gets on your clothes, deal with it promptly. Blot off the excess, rinse and wash according to the care label.