We all enjoy a sunny day whether we’re at the beach, on the slopes, or getting stuck into a day’s work outdoors. But if you work outside regularly, you’ll know the New Zealand sun is no joke. It’s strong, relentless, and one of the key reasons our country has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.
Each year, around 100,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with skin cancer. That number doesn’t include the cases that go undetected. Research shows that two in three New Zealanders will develop a non-melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma, the most serious type, is also alarmingly common, especially among older adults.
New Zealand’s sun is particularly intense. Our ozone layer is thinner during summer, offering less protection from harmful UV rays. The Southern Hemisphere is closer to the sun during our summer months, and with less air pollution, more UV radiation reaches the skin. UV levels here can be up to 40% higher than in similar parts of the Northern Hemisphere meaning you can burn in minutes, even on cloudy days.
For outdoor workers, this means long-term, frequent exposure to UV radiation, which is a major cause of skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These often appear on the face, neck, forearms, and hands – the areas that get the most sun.
The good news is that sun protection works, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. You can:
plan outdoor tasks for early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are lower
wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses for reliable protection
apply SPF50 sunscreen regularly throughout the day to shield exposed skin
keep a tube of sunscreen in your pocket or toolbox so you’re never caught out.
If you’re working near water or snow, be extra cautious UV rays reflect off surfaces and increase your exposure.
We also encourage parents and grandparents to pass these habits on to younger generations. Children’s skin is especially vulnerable to sun damage, and early protection can make a lifelong difference.
Whether you’re 25 or 75, it’s never too late to protect your skin. And if you’ve spent years working outside, regular skin checks are essential. Molecheck’s clinics in Christchurch and Auckland specialise in early detection using advanced dermoscopy techniques.
Book your Molecheck today it’s quick, painless, and could save your life.
