Sun Safety Tips to Help Prevent Skin Cancer

We all love sunny weather, but the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. UV rays from the sun can lead to heat stroke or even skin cancer. Here are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you stay safe from the sun.

Apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on all parts of your skin at least 15 minutes before going outside, even on a cloudy or overcast day. Make sure to also cover hard-to-reach places like your back. Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.

Find some shade, especially during midday hours. This includes midday hours such as 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or whenever it is sunny. Umbrellas, trees or other shelters can provide relief from the sun.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants or a long skirt for extra protection when possible. If it’s too hot, try wearing a t-shirt or a beach cover-up. Darker clothes help protect you from UV rays more than lighter clothes.

Wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears and the back of your neck. If you wear a baseball hat, be sure to wear something that will cover your ears and the back of your neck.

Put on sunglasses to help protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye problems. Wrap-around sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection by blocking UV rays from the side.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention