Hey beauties and sunshine chasers, October is Melanoma Awareness Month in Aotearoa, and while we love long days, beach hangs and rooftop brunches, it’s also the perfect time to remember that too much UV isn’t so cute. This is your gentle reminder: being a glow-getter doesn’t have to come with sun damage. Let’s chat about how to slay summer and keep our skin safe for ourselves and our family.
Why This Month Matters
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer arising when pigment‐producing cells (melanocytes) go rogue. Unlike some other skin cancers, melanoma can progress quickly and be life-threatening. But here’s the silver lining: melanoma is largely preventable, and caught early, it’s much more treatable.
In NZ, skin cancer risk is high partly because we’re exposed to more UV than many other places on Earth. Plus, every time we go out and skip SPF or shade, we’re stacking UV exposure over our lifetime.
So yes, pretty skies are glorious. But those rays are potent.
The Sun-Smart Five: SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK, SLIDE
Melanoma NZ promotes a fabulously simple mantra to keep us protected:
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide
Here’s how to rock each one:
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Slip - Cover up. Think flowy sleeves, maxi skirts, UV-protective fabrics (look for UPF).
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Slop - Slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), 20 minutes before you go out, and reapply every 2 hours (and after swimming/sweating). See the Caci SPF range.
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Slap - A wide-brimmed hat (7.5 cm or more) is your BFF. Caps are cute but don’t protect your ears, neck or cheeks.
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Seek - Find shade between 10 am and 4 pm, especially in summer. Umbrellas, trees, verandas, all valid.
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Slide - Sunglasses that really block UV. Wraparound or close-fitting frames help, especially around reflective surfaces like water or concrete.
Also, watch for prescription glasses magnifying around your eye area which can also contribute to pigmentation. Consider transitional lens frames, contrary to popular belief, there are new stylish options out there!
If you adopt just one rule from that list, let it be sunscreen. That single product can snag you more wins than most skincare steps. (At Caci, we even say: if you can use only one product; make it your sunscreen.)
Self-Check = Power Move
You know your body better than anyone. Do a skin scan (front/back, limbs, scalp, nails, between toes, even under nails), and look for:
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New moles or spots
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Changes in shape, border, colour, size
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Lesions that itch, bleed, crust over
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Anything unusual or getting more obvious
If something’s off, don’t play detective. Chat with your GP or a dermatologist. Early detection saves lives.
Hot Girl Summer... Responsibly 💁♀️
You don’t have to ditch all summer fun, just do it smart:
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Pick shady picnic spots
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Swim in shaded hours (morning/evening)
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Accessorise with chic hats, UV clothing, cool sunnies
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Keep sunscreen stashed in your bag, car, desk, everywhere
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Teach your family (especially kiddos) early: make sun safety part of routine
Jackie Smith from Caci notes that many women tend to prioritise everyone else’s skincare (or health) before their own. She pushes back: your skin confidence and health matter.
She also points out that skin cancers can show up in surprising places, not just sun-exposed zones. Check everywhere (scalp, soles of feet, between toes, under nails).
Family First
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re also looking out for someone else. Here’s how to level up family sun safety:
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Lead by example, kids mimic your habits
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Dress them in protective clothing, put on their hat & sunscreen
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Keep family check in days (skin checks together)
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Plan sun-safe family activities in shade
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Use SPF even on overcast days (clouds don’t block all UV)
Let’s Make October Count 🌺
This Melanoma Awareness Month and as the sun comes out to play, let’s be loud about sun safety. Because glowing doesn’t have to mean burning. Because we want hot girl summers for decades to come, not regrets.
Share a reminder, check your loved ones, snap a selfie in a sun hat, or post your sun protection routine.
