You may think that sunscreens give you the complete protection from the sun's damaging rays but that is not quite true. Latest information shows that more people are getting sunburnt by staying out in the sun too long because they think that wearing a sunscreen should have given them all the protection.

Sunscreens can give you some protection but you must remember to re-apply them often enough and more importantly to stay protected, you should use other means such as hats and sunglasses. Sunscreens also need to be applied correctly, that is used thickly on clean skin and allowed to be absorbed for about 15-20 minutes before going out in the sun. They need to be re-applied often, especially after a swim or if you have perspired a lot. However, sunscreens can not go on protecting forever. They may protect you for about two to three hours but after that the sun will still burn even if you put more sunscreen on.

"Sunscreens are not effective if they are past their expiry date," advise Self Care pharmacists. "Also when the container of sunscreen is subject to extremes of heat, as could happen at the beach and or in the glove compartment of the car, the UV protecting properties of the sunscreen can be lost quickly."

Some people also seem to think that while getting sunburnt might be bad, getting a tan is OK. "It is now known that except in people with naturally very dark brown or black skin, a tan indicates that the skin is already damaged to some extent. There is no such thing as a safe tan, neither from the sun nor from a sun lamp. Any change to the colour of your skin indicates skin damage," caution Self Care pharmacists.

Extra precautions need to be taken with young children as their skin is very tender and with older people because the skin becomes thinner with age. Infants and toddlers need special baby sunscreens so ask your Self Care pharmacist which sunscreens are best for them. They must also be well protected with appropriate clothing.

For ideal sun protection the best solution is to stay out of the sun but that is not always possible or desirable given our climate. The best way then to stay protected this summer and other summers to come is to remember the SunSmart Six:

· Cover up - with loose but close woven clothes · Hats and sunnies - wear wide brimmed hats and sunglasses · Slap on the sunscreen - apply to all exposed areas of your body including your face, paying particular attention to your nose, ears and behind the neck. Re-apply sunscreens often. · Check the time - the New Zealand sun is most fierce between 11am and 4pm. Try to avoid sun exposure during these times. · Grab an umbrella - use it as a sun shade · Sit in the shade - use the shade of trees or walk on the shaded side of the street.

Sunscreens are available as creams, milky lotions, oils or alcoholic solutions and your Self Care pharmacist can suggest the best one for you. They can also advise you about the different types of sunglasses available. Pop in to your local Self Care pharmacy today and get your free copy of the SunSmart fact card.

For further information please contact: Your Local Self Care Pharmacist