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Sun Exposure and Sun Protection

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. You can still enjoy the sun and be healthy. Here’s how to do it:

• Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen for them and re-applying every two hours.
• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t try to get vitamin D from the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
• Check your own body and skin often. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.