Six practical ways to protect children, and yourself, from sun damage in every season.
As the days get longer and the temperature rises, sun protection matters more. Children spend a lot of time outdoors and in pools, often without good sun protection, and sunburns early in life raise the risk of melanoma later. Adults need the same protection. Sun exposure is the main driver of both skin aging and skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States.
Protecting yourself from the sun can be accomplished in a variety of ways; here are a few suggestions. Even on days when the sky is overcast, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to your skin. You should protect yourself from the sun by donning long-sleeved shirts, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You can also choose to remain in the shade, which is especially beneficial during the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak.
- Sunscreen works best as one part of a plan that also includes shade and clothing. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, the standard the American Academy of Dermatology recommends. Apply it 15 minutes before going outside, even on overcast days. Reapply every 2 hours, and right after swimming or sweating. Most adults need about 1 ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, to cover the body.
- When you go outside, you should always make sure to protect your head from the sun by donning a hat. Wearing a hat with a broad brim will shield your face, ears, and neck from the harmful rays of the sun.
- Wearing sunglasses is yet another essential step you should take to shield your eyes from the damaging rays of the sun. Look for sunglasses that offer protection from ultraviolet light.
- Another way to protect your skin from the sun is to stay in the shade. You should make every effort to seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are at their most intense.
- Another method for protecting your skin is to wear clothing that covers most of your body. Wearing clothing with long sleeves and pants will prevent the sun from damaging your skin.
- Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sun. Use shade, a hat, and lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs. If that isn't possible, a small amount of mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher can go on exposed areas.
Always keep in mind that you should wear sun protection on your skin, regardless of the season.
The information provided on this website is not intended to serve as a replacement for the advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified medical professional. If you have any questions about a medical condition, you should never hesitate to consult with either your primary care physician or another qualified healthcare provider. You should never disregard the advice of a qualified medical professional or put off getting treatment because of something you have read on this website.
