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78% of Kiwis think that they need to be more sun smart

78% of Kiwis think that they need to be more sun smart
NIVEA and renowned artist show New Zealanders the reality of sun protection and launch the NIVEA Sun Summer Resolution

22 December, 2014 – Auckland – Almost all New Zealanders (78%) think that they need to be more sun smart but when it comes to one another, we’re a caring bunch. New research released by NIVEA has identified that well over half (62%) of New Zealanders have felt concerned about others suffering in the sun and remarkably, 93% of Kiwis have offered to help.

Unsurprisingly, New Zealanders and Australians care most about an adult family member (50%) suffering in the sun followed by teenagers (32%), babies/children (30%) and unknown adults (29%). Even more, we’re happy to practice what we preach – 60% of Australians and Kiwis reminded someone they knew to be sun-safe, over half (54%) helped apply sunscreen to a child and 46% offered a known person some sun protection advice.

Yet New Zealanders and Australians are less likely to help when it comes to strangers – just 14% have given a tourist sun protection advice or assistance, 13% reminded someone they don’t know of sun safe advice and only 10% helped apply sunscreen to someone that they didn’t know. However, 41% said they would be happy to apply sunscreen to a stranger in need.

This summer, NIVEA Sun has teamed up with American artist Thomas Leveritt to raise awareness of the importance of sun protection. Together, they have launched a new, ground-breaking film that uses an ultraviolet (UV) camera to demonstrate the effectiveness of sunscreen. The experiences of our average Australian neighbours were captured for all to see in a short video aimed at showing people just how much sunscreen protects you from the sun. See the film here: http://youtu.be/AnUIod4tX98

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Thomas revealed: “I expected Australians and Kiwis to be much more clued up about the sun than Americans or Brits. Which they seem to be! But being able to actually see the sun damage changed that message from an intellectual one to an emotional one. The emotions unleashed when people see themselves in ultraviolet are so interesting; the unselfconscious glee, surprise or fascination is almost like an undiscovered tribe seeing themselves in the mirror for the first time. And people get it, pretty much straight away.
When I was a kid, lying out in the Texas sun all day with no sunscreen, was regarded as fine; we all did it. But now we know better. So NIVEA is really doing their part to encourage people to take care of themselves and others in the sun.Hopefully, people will watch the film and think, yeah, sunscreen’s not such a bad idea.”
Ken Lee, NIVEA Skin Care expert adds “This summer, NIVEA is encouraging people to take care of themselves and one another when outside in the sunshine by joining the NIVEA SUN Summer Resolution. This is a simple pledge to care take of ourselves in the sun, and to give care to each other. It’s so easy to spread the message, just share the new film from NIVEA and follow the NIVEA Sun Safe Code to protect your skin and enjoy the sun safely this summer.”
To remind everyone to take care of themselves in the sun, and to give care to each other, NIVEA has launched the ‘NIVEA Sun Safe Code’:

Take care out there:
1. Take time to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you head out and every 2 hours from then on
2. Take a capful (35ml) of sunscreen. This is the minimum you should use to cover your face and body for each application.
3. Take SPF into consideration. The higher the number, the longer it can protect you.
4. Take a chance and ask someone to help you apply sunscreen on your back.

Give care out there:
1. Give the people around you a hand with their sunscreen.
2. Give your kids special attention when applying their sunscreen.
3. Give this tip to overseas visitors – properly protect your skin in the strong sun over here. It’s stronger than you might think!
4. Give care by sharing our new film showing how the sun sees your skin: enter URL
The survey conducted for NIVEA also revealed many are confused by the terms SPF, UVA and UVB. Robyn Hutch, NIVEA Skin Care Expert offers some clarity with the following top tips to enjoy sun safely this summer:
1. Apply sun screen 20 minutes before exposure to the sun
2. You need to apply approximately 35ml of sun screen to adequately cover an average adult body – that’s around the volume of a shot glass
3. Reapply sunscreen regularly, at least every 2 hours, and especially after swimming and toweling
4. Choose a sunscreen that has a broad spectrum of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember UVA is about ageing (depleting collagen, causing fine lines, wrinkles and freckles, to name a few of those tell take signs) and UVB is about burning
5. SPF measures, in theory, how long it takes for your type of skin to show the very first signs of burning. SPF 30 means it takes 30 times longer for your skin to burn, SPF 50 means it takes 50 times longer for your skin to burn
6. Avoid sun exposure between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are most intense
7. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend to help you apply sunscreen to hard-to-reach areas, such as your back and shoulders – remember to take care of yourself and others this summer!
8. Be aware that some medicines can increase your skin’s risk of UV damage. Check with a health care professional if you are taking medication
Always read the label. Use only as directed.
-ENDS-

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