Sun Safety

Whether you decide to go for a walk or spend some time outdoors in your own backyard; it’s important that you keep your skin protected.  Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and anyone can get skin cancer.  If you plan to spend time outdoors be sure to keep your skin protected from the sun’s rays.  Below are some things you can do to stay safe in the sun.

Stay in the Shade

The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10:00am-4:00pm during the spring/summer months.  A way you can tell if the sun’s rays are strong is by looking at your shadow.  If your shadow is shorter than you, then it means the sun’s rays are strong.  When you are out in the sun, especially when the rays are the strongest seek shade under an umbrella, tree, or another structure.

Cover Up

Clothing can help protect your skin from the sun’s rays, whether it is a shirt, pants, or a swimsuit cover-up.  Clothing that is darker and has more tightly woven fabric offers more protection.  Some clothes are made to have UV protection and will have a UPF protection factor listed on their label.  The higher the UPF number the more protection the clothing offers.  Additionally, wearing a hat with a brim that goes all the way around can protect your face, ears, and neck.  If you’re wearing a baseball hat, don’t forget sunscreen on your ears and neck.

Wear Sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen that is broad spectrum which will protect you against UVA and UVB rays.  Also, choose a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15; but if you plan to be outdoors for an extended amount of time a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher is recommended.  You should apply sunscreen about 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, even on cloudy days.  A sunscreen with a higher SPF offers more protection from UV rays.  

Reapply Your Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, although if you have been sweating or swimming you should reapply sooner. Be sure to check the product label to see how often you should reapply your sun screen. 

Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses can protect the skin around your eyes and your eyes as well from UV rays.  Most sunglasses offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays just be sure to check the label.