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About 80 percent of skin cancers could be prevented
by protecting ourselves from the sun's rays.
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Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, whatever their
skin color, and everyone needs protection from the sun.
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Plan your sun strategy before you go out. You'll need
a hat, protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen.
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Plan your activities to avoid the hours of 10 a.m. to
4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
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Sunlight can reflect off water, sand, concrete and
snow, and can reach below the water's surface.
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Cloudy skies may make the air temperature cooler, but
UV rays are still coming through the clouds.
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Cover up! Wear clothing to protect skin as much as
possible. Choose long-sleeve shirts and long pants, and wear a hat that
shades your face, neck and ears.
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Some medications such as antibiotics can increase
your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about
drugs you are taking and take extra precautions.
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Children need extra protection from the sun.
Encourage children to play in the shade, wear protective clothing and
apply sunscreen regularly.
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Sunscreen is not recommended for children less than 6
months old. Keep infants in the shade and covered up with clothing.
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Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun
Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater. Look for the number on the
label. o For best results, apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before going
outside to allow it time to bond with your skin.
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Reapply sunscreen after swimming, perspiring heavily
or drying skin with a towel
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Don't use sunlamps or tanning booths. A tan from
these artificial methods won't protect you in the sun when you go on a
vacation. They damage the skin, and don't help or protect you.
