Sun safety is essential for everyone in the family. While some sun exposure is necessary for vitamin D production, which aids in calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm the skin, eyes, and immune system, and may lead to cancer.
Although heredity and environment also play a role, sunburn and excessive UV exposure can damage the skin, potentially resulting in skin cancer, melasma, or premature aging (photoaging). Even if you never burn from sun exposure, sunscreen helps prevent darkening and aging of your skin.
Protect Against UV Rays All Year Round
-
UV protection is necessary year-round, not just in summer.
-
Reflections off surfaces like snow, water, sand, and concrete can increase UV exposure.
-
Cloudy days, swimming, and skiing still require UV protection.
-
Model sun-protective behavior for children.
-
Medications may increase health risks and UV sensitivity; consult your healthcare provider.
-
Avoid tanning equipment as it damages skin.
-
Sunless tanning products do not offer sufficient UV protection.
Applying sunscreen is one of the most effective and simplest methods to safeguard your skin's appearance and health, regardless of age. Consistent use of sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.
What is SPF?
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) shows how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which cause sunburn and skin cancer. There are two other types of UV light: UVC rays, which don't reach the Earth's surface, and UVA rays, which can cause skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and aging. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVB and UVA rays.
What sunscreen should I buy?
For daily use, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, opt for a product with SPF 60 or higher. Most people do not apply enough sunscreen.
Sunscreen has not been approved in infants younger than 6 months so young babies should use protective clothing, sunglasses and sun avoidance.
Sun Safety Tips
-
Cover up: Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. Clothing with higher UPF provide more protection.
-
Limit direct sun exposure (seek shade): Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
-
Use the UV Index forecast: Check local forecasts and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when the UV index is 3 or higher
-
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water.
-
Avoid tanning equipment: It increases the risk of skin cancer.
-
Use sunscreen:
-
Wear sunscreen every day.
-
Sunscreen should be SPF 50 or higher
-
Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
-
For extended outdoor activity, use SPF 60 or higher
-
Re-apply every 2-3 hours
-
Re-apply after swimming or excessive sweating
Skin Checks
To find potential skin cancers, it's advised to perform a monthly self-examination of your skin. During the check, remember the ABCDEs:
-
Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolution.
Spontaneous bleeding is a concerning sign that should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider.
Watch for unusual moles or any changes in a mole's color, size, or shape.
Click here to learn how to perform a skin check. To monitor a specific mole, place a ruler next to it and take a picture with your cellphone. Track any changes in the shape and size of the mole with this picture.
Created May 2025
