Sun Safety Guidelines
Sun Safety Guidelines
01
You are exposed to UV rays not only when you are sunbathing at the beach, but also when you are doing sports outdoors or going for a walk in the park
02
Avoid sun exposure in the hottest time of the day (12pm-4pm); when your shadow is shorter than you are, look for shade
03
Protect your skin with clothing. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
04
30 minutes before sun exposure, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after going for a swim, even if the sunscreen is waterproof
05
Know your skin: do a head-to-toe skin self exam every 2 months. If you see a spot that just doesn’t seem right, visit your dermatologist
06
Keep in mind the reflection of UV rays in the snow (85%), at the beach (20%), in the pool and in the grass (5%). Surfaces reflect and intensify damaging rays and can increase your chances of sunburn
07
In cloudy days, keep your sun protection habits, as UV rays are almost as dangerous as on sunny days
08
Keep babies in the shade and educate kids about sun protection. Babies under 6 months of age shouldn’t be exposed directly to the sun. A sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of later developing skin cancer
09
Avoid sunburn
10
Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds, because UV light from tanning beds can cause the skin early aging and increase the risk of skin cancer
11
Redheads and blondes, with freckles and a lot of moles, should take extra care during sun exposure
12
It is estimated that about 80% of the radiation dose tolerated by the skin is reached by age 18
13
Get your vitamin D safely from sources like oily fish, fortified dairy products and cereals, and supplements. Avoid sun exposure without protection
