The sun in New Zealand and Australia: How to protect yourself from it?

Australia and New Zealand are both destinations that evoke nature and the outdoors, but did you know that UV rays in the Southern Hemisphere can pose greater risks to the health of your skin?

The rays down under are stronger than almost anywhere else in the world, so it is very important to take the right precautions. This article will give you some facts and tips to help you stay safe.

The sun feels different to the skin

New Zealand’s temperatures are fairly mild all year round pretty much everywhere in the country. As a result, visitors tend to underestimate the strength of UV rays.

Even when the air temperature is mild, if the sun is out you will feel the heat directly on your skin in a very localized way (sometimes pleasant, sometimes aggressive). And then as soon as you step into the shade or get cloud cover, that sensation of localized heat will go away.

It is very different from the kind of stuffy atmospheric heat that Europeans and North Americans might be used to. As a result, it is not unusual to alternate between a sweater and a tank top within the same day, in both summer and winter. Don’t let mild temperatures fool you into thinking that a sunscreen is not necessary! It doesn’t need to be “hot” out for UV rays to give you a sunburn.

In Australia, the same thing is true but the temperatures are even higher. If you don’t use sunscreen consistently, you risk getting a big sunburn. It is not uncommon for people to get sunburned all over their body, including on the ears, eyelids, and scalp when they don’t wear sunscreen or a hat.

Why the sun is more dangerous down under

Firstly, the ozone layer above Australia and New Zealand is thinner than elsewhere. As a result, UV radiation there is among the strongest in the world.

Secondly, because of Earth’s orbit, the planet is closer to the sun during the summers in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere. For example, studies show that people in Otago receive twice as much UV radiation as people in Germany (equivalent in latitude) during summer.

Finally, there is less air pollution present to block UV radiation in the southern hemisphere.

The sun can therefore have adverse effects on our health such as sunburns in the short term, but also premature aging of the skin, damage to vision and, in the long term, a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

Tips to protect yourself from the sun

Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from the sun during your stay in Australia or New Zealand.

1. Use sunscreen

The Ministry of Health recommends applying sunscreen in the morning and early afternoon at a minimum, and every 2 hours if you are doing outdoor activities. Think about this, especially if you work in agriculture several hours a day for several weeks. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before exposure and use a high factor protection (minimum 30 SPF).

Finally, if you enjoy water sports, choose a wetsuit that will not only protect you, but will also avoid harming the oceans. If you prefer sunscreen, opt for an eco friendly cream. Don’t forget to apply it well before swimming and to put it back on as soon as you get out of the water, even if it is a waterproof protection.

In Australia, in addition to the usual supermarkets that sell sunscreen, you will find stores of the Cancer Council, an association with an explicit name that does prevention to limit the risks of cancer.

2. Wear long sleeves and sunglasses

Cover up when you spend long hours in the sun, especially in the summer. Choose light but long-sleeved clothing. Cover up with caps or large hats (which also protect your eyes). Wear sunglasses as well, and consider buying quality glasses with real UV protection. It is not necessarily necessary to wear long-sleeved clothing in everyday life, but rather on very sunny days or extended periods outdoors.

3. Seek shade

In winter, as in summer, it is necessary to protect yourself. If you are worried about the sun, it might be a good idea to spend your winter on the North Island and your summer on the South Island. You can also choose cloudier towns (such as Balclutha, Invercargill, or Palmerston North) and avoid sunny areas (such as Nelson, Whakatane, or New Plymouth). However, it is recommended to apply sun protection even when it is cloudy.

Finally, in summer, avoid exposure between 10 am and 2 pm, and remember to stay in the shade.

In Australia, you can consult the updated UV map provided by the Australian government. Just click on the city of your choice to find out the UV index of the day.

4. Choose the right jobs

If you are sensitive to the sun, it may be best to choose jobs with minimal sun exposure. This means indoor jobs (restaurants, tourism, factories, etc.) are preferable. If you really want to work in horticulture then choose jobs that offer more shade. For example, if you are picking kiwis, you will be mostly under trees, while if you are picking blueberries, you will be in the sun most of the time. You can also choose greenhouse jobs. It will be hotter there and you will still need to wear sunscreen, but the greenhouse will give you an extra layer of protection.