Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn in the short term and increase the risk of skin cancer over time. Here’s how to stay sun safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Stay out of the sun
- Stay in the shade and out of the hot sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 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 properly
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Choose high, broad-spectrum SPF
- Look for sunscreens that are labelled broad-spectrum, which protects against most both UVA and UVB rays with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. In addition to face and body sunscreens, don’t forget about using an SPF lip balm.
- Consistent and proper use of broad-spectrum SPF helps reduce sunburn, protects against skin cancer, including melanoma, and prevents skin damage that can lead to signs of aging
- Why SPF 30?
- SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen blocks UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks around 97 per cent of UVB rays, significantly reducing the amount of UVB rays that reach your skin. Higher SPFs like 60 offers only slightly more protection (just over 98 per cent), so SPF 30 is considered a strong and effective choice.
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Go for water-resistant formulas
- Look for claims on the label that includes “water-resistant” or “sport”, which means they are formulated to stay on better if you are sweating or in water.
- Remember, no sunscreen is fully waterproof and should be reapplied after swimming or sweating, following the instructions on the label.
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Apply enough, and apply often
- For best results, follow the application instructions on the label.
- Cover exposed areas generously. Use about one teaspoon for each major area: your front, back, each arm and each leg.
- 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.
- Put on sunscreen 15–30 minutes before you go outside so it soaks in. Remember to reapply at least every two hours after going outside.
- Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days. 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, UV rays reflect off bright surfaces, like snow.
Sun safety for babies
- Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months of age. Keep them out of direct sun and heat as much as possible, as their skin and bodies are much more sensitive than an adult's.
- Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers their skin and wide brimmed hats.
- Never use baby oil for sun protection. It will not protect you or your children.