Sun Safety Tips
- Avoid peak sunlight hours – 10:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. - when the sun's rays are the strongest.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, one that protects against UVA and UVB with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Sunscreens with the following ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection: benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, and avobenzone (parsol 1789). For people with sensitive skin, chemical-free sunblocks containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which also afford broad-spectrum coverage, can be used.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or heavy perspiration.
- Wear SPF protective clothing including a wide-brim hat, uv-blocking sunglasses, and long-sleeve shirt and pants.
- Apply lip balm that contains sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher. Seek shade while outdoors during the day.
- Protect children by minimizing sun exposure and regularly applying sunscreen. This is crucial because excessive sun exposure in the first 18 years of life increases a person's chances of developing melanoma. Eighty percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18.
- Avoid reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and sand that can reflect up to 85% of the sun's damaging rays.
- Avoid tanning beds and DO NOT BURN! One blistering sunburn doubles your risk of Melanoma.
- Get Vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes supplements.
- Examine your skin from head to toe once a month.
- Have a professional examination annually.
