The Ultimate Guide to Sun Protection: Why Sunscreen and Zinc Are Essential in New Zealand
Living in New Zealand, we’re blessed with stunning beaches, great surf, and plenty of sunshine. But with that comes a serious responsibility to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. At Blitz Surf Shop, we know sun protection is non-negotiable, especially with New Zealand’s ozone layer being thinner than in many other parts of the world. This blog dives into the importance of sun protection, the pros and cons of different sunscreen options, and highlights some of the top products available at BlitzSurf.co.nz.
Why Sun Protection Is Crucial in New Zealand
New Zealand has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. The combination of a thinner ozone layer and our outdoor lifestyle makes proper sun protection essential. UV rays can cause:
- Skin cancer (New Zealand has one of the highest rates globally).
- Premature aging and skin damage.
- Painful sunburns that can ruin your day at the beach.
Using sunscreen helps protect your skin, ensuring you enjoy your time in the surf safely and painlessly.
Zinc vs. Non-Zinc Sunscreens: What's the Difference?
Zinc-Based Sunscreens
Zinc oxide such as the Sun Zapper Zinc Stick is a physical blocker, creating a barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin.
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Pros:
- Offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB).
- Ideal for sensitive skin.
- Immediate protection—no waiting for it to absorb.
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Cons:
- Can feel thicker or leave a white cast, though newer formulas reduce this.
Non-Zinc Sunscreens
These are typically chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is released from the skin like the Sun Bum Spf50+ Lotion.
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Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to apply.
- Transparent, leaving no residue.
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Cons:
- May irritate sensitive skin.
- Requires reapplication more often, especially after swimming.
Top Sunscreens and Zinc Products at Blitz Surf Shop
1. Sun Zapper Zinc Stick
- Features: High-performance zinc, perfect for long days in the surf.
- Pros: Strong water resistance, easy to apply, reef safe.
- Cons: Can leave a white tint on the skin.
2. Sun Zapper Skin Tone Zinc Stick
- Features: Blends with natural skin tones for less visible application.
- Pros: Same great protection without the white cast, reef safe.
- Cons: Limited shades available.
3. SurfScreen SPF50+
- Features: Combines zinc and sunscreen for maximum UV protection.
- Pros: Long-lasting, designed specifically for surfers, reef safe.
- Cons: Slightly heavier consistency.
4. Sun Bum Face 50+ Sunscreen Lotion (88ml)
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Features: Lightweight lotion perfect for everyday facial use.
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Pros: Oil-free, non-comedogenic, reef safe.
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Cons: Not as water-resistant as zinc formulas.
5. Sun Bum SPF50+ and SPF30 Lotion (237ml) 
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Features: Broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen for body coverage.
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Pros: Large size, easy to apply, reef safe.
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Cons: Requires regular reapplication after water exposure.
6. Sun Bum SPF30 Face Stick (13g) 
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Features: Compact and portable stick for quick facial application.
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Pros: Mess-free, ideal for on-the-go use, reef safe.
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Cons: Smaller size means less product.
7. Sun Bum SPF50+ and SPF30 Sunscreen Spray (177ml) 
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Features: Easy-to-use spray for fast application.
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Pros: Lightweight, evenly distributes product, reef safe.
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Cons: Can feel slippery on wet skin.
Key Tips for Using Sunscreen
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Apply generously: Use at least a teaspoon of sunscreen per limb and reapply every two hours.
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Don’t forget key spots: Cover your ears, that hard to reach part of your back, neck, and feet!
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Choose reef-safe options: Protect the ocean as well as your skin.
What Else Can I Do To Protect Myself?
Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap
Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, wrap your eyes with some high quality sunies.
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Slip: Cover your body when our in the sun with a tee, a shirt, or some lycra when you are in the water.
Slop: Slop on some of the best Sunscreen you can find in NZ from Sun Zapper Zinc, Surfscreen, to Sun Bum.Slap: Slap on some of Blitz Surf Shops Extensive range of sun hats from Caps to Bucket hats, straw hats and surf hats made to stick to your head while your crving up the waves.Wrap: Wrap on some of Blitz's range of Sunglasses from Affordable brands like Carve, Liive and Prive Revaux to more high end options such as Oakley, Dragon, and Spy.
Why Buy from Blitz Surf Shop?
At Blitz Surf Shop, we stock only high-quality sunscreens and zinc products trusted by surfers and outdoor enthusiasts alike that help keep both your skin and the enviroment happy and healthy. Whether you’re after the heavy-duty protection of Sun Zapper Zinc or the lightweight feel of Sun Bum SPF sprays, we’ve got you covered.
