13 Ways To Protect Yourself from the Sun

Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during daylight savings time) in the summer months. Therefore, play golf, tennis, swim, etc. in the early morning and late afternoon.

If you get minimally sunburned at midday, beware of the further exposure later in the afternoon. The late afternoon cam turn a minimal sunburn into a severe one.

Clouds and particulate matter in the air scatter sunlight. You may receive a surprise sunburn even on a cloudy or hazy day.

Sand, snow, concrete, and water can reflect large amounts of sunlight onto the skin. Increased UV exposure can occur during high altitude activities. The thinner atmosphere at high altitudes absorbs lesser amounts of damaging UV rays than at sea level.

Some drugs and cosmetics may increase susceptibility to sunburn. These "photo sensitivity reactions" also may sometimes be caused by birth control pills. Your physician or pharmacist can advise you about medications that cause problems in the sun.

Wear a hat or long-sleeved shirt whenever possible when in the sun. Tightly woven fabrics offer greater protection than loosely woven ones.

Apply a sunscreen to all exposed body areas one hour before sun exposure. The sunscreen should be reapplied generously every 2 hours while in the sun. Sunscreens labeled with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 provide the best protection. Use sunscreen on your face even if you wear a hat.

Some sunscreens may cause allergic reactions. If a sunscreen irritates your skin, change to another brand or consult your physician.

Always reapply sunscreens after swimming or perspiring.

Men should be sure to apply sunscreens to the tops of the ears and bald scalp areas.

Sun damage is cumulative over a lifetime. Children should be taught to use sunscreen at an early age.

Individuals who are at high risk for skin cancer and degenerative changes (i.e., outdoor workers, athletes and persons who have had skin cancer) should apply sunscreen daily year round.

Tanning booths add further damage to that received from natural sunlight. Tanning booths contain bulbs which emit UV light that can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging fo the skin. While a tan provides some protection against sunburn, skin damage continues to occur even in the presence of a tan.

Don't forget about your eyes! Wear sunglasses that provide protection from ultraviolet rays. Consult your ophthalmologist or optometrist concerning proper eye care in the sun for yourself and your children.