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Value in Sun Protection
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. So, it’s vital that you wear protection from the sun.
Sun Protection Tips
- You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking protection from direct sun exposure. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you are exposed to UV rays.
- For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and wearing them will reduce the risk of developing cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
- Pay attention to the UV index to identify your risk of damage from sun exposure. This numbered scale, from the Environmental Protection Agency, measures how damaging exposure to the sun will be on any particular day. It is often included in the weather report. When the index is 10 or higher, people should try to stay indoors. https://www.epa.gov/enviro/uv-index-search
- Water, snow, and sand reflect the UV rays of the sun and may increase your risk of getting sunburned.
Tips for Using Sunscreen
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure it is water resistant and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
- Apply at least 1 ounce of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. One ounce is enough sunscreen to fill the palm of an adult hand.
- Reapply sunscreen to exposed parts of your body every 2 hours. Reapply every hour if you are swimming, sweating, or if you are at increased risk.
- Sunscreen creams are better for dry skin.
- Sunscreen has an average life span of 3 years. Do not use sunscreens that have expired.