Sun safety.
These tips help protect yourself and your family from the consequences of too much sun exposure: sunburn in the short-term and skin cancer in the long-term.
Stay out of the sun
- Stay in the shade and out of the hot sun between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m, especially around midday. Look for places with lots of shade, such as a park with big trees and built shade structures. Take an umbrella or tent to the beach.
- When possible, schedule outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon/early evening.
Cover up
- If you are out in the sun during mid-day hours, wear long sleeves, loose-fitting long pants and a hat with a wide brim.
- Baseball caps do not provide protection to the ears, neck and some of the face. If you wear one, ensure you apply sunscreen to these areas.
- Wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection. They provide protection against eye damage.
Use sunscreen
- Use a sunscreen that is Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or more and broad spectrum (UVA and UVB). Apply generously to areas that aren’t covered by clothing – it takes approximately seven teaspoons of sunscreen for an adult body. Ensure that you apply enough and rub it in for even coverage, whether it’s a lotion, cream or spray.
- Put sunscreen on your skin at least 15 minutes minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours while you are out. Reapply more often if you are sweating or swimming.
- Look for a sunscreen with words like “water resistant” or “sport” which are formulated to stay on better if you are sweating or in water. These products should still be reapplied regularly.
- Don't forget your ears, nose, hands, tops of your feet, hairline and part line, and scalp if you have very short hair or are bald. Protect your lips with an SPF 30 Lip Balm.
- Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months old. Babies should be kept out of the direct sun as much as possible. Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers their skin, and wide brimmed hats. Never use baby oil to protect from the sun. It will not protect you or your children.
- Sunscreen can’t block all of the sun’s rays. Use it along with shade, clothing and hats, not instead of them.
Apply sunscreen on cloudy days and during the winter months
Whatever the weather or season, UV rays are always there. Even if you can’t see the sun, UV rays can pass through the clouds. In the winter, the sun’s rays reflect off bright surfaces, such as snow.