1. Limit direct sun exposure during midday Ultraviolet rays are most intense when the sun is high in the sky, during the midday which is usually between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2. Cover up Wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts are the most protective. Dark colors provide more protection than light colors by preventing more UV rays from reaching your skin. A tightly woven fabric provides greater protection than loosely woven clothing. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through, too. Also, dry fabric is generally more protective than wet fabric.
3. Wear a hat A hat with at least a 2 to 3-inch brim all around is ideal. A baseball cap provides some protection for the front and top of the head but not the back of the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop.
4. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher When selecting a sunscreen product, be sure to read the label before you buy. Sunscreen products labeled "broad-spectrum" protect against UVA and UVB radiation. An SPF 4 blocks out 75 percent of the burning UV rays while an SPF 15 blocks out 93 percent of the burning UV rays; an SPF 30 blocks out 97 percent of the burning UV rays. For maximum effectiveness, apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Be generous. For best results, most sunscreens need to be reapplied about every 2 hours.
5. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label to be sure they do. Labels that say, “UV absorption up to 400 nm”, “special purpose” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” block at least 99 percent of UV rays. Those labeled "cosmetic" block about 70 percent of the UV rays. It there is no label, don't buy the sunglasses.
6. Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths Tanning beds are not harmless. Tanning lamps emit UVA and frequently emit a lot of UVB also. Both UVA and UVB can cause serious skin damage, and both contribute to formation of skin cancers.
7. Check your skin regularly You can improve your chances of finding precancerous skin conditions by examining your skin regularly. Source: American Cancer Society |
