Sun Safety Tips

Avoid unprotected exposure when the sun is at its strongest (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). UV rays pass through clouds and water, so don't assume you're safe if it's not sunny or you're feeling comfortable in the cool water.
• Check the UV Index for your area before planning a day outside. This number between 1 and 10 is a measure of the amount of radiation reaching the Earth's surface. The higher the number, the greater the exposure. You can find the UV Index by visiting www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html and entering your ZIP code.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Ideally, glasses should have 99 percent to 100 percent UV absorption. Darker lenses are not necessarily better because the protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses. Look for an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) label.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB radiation. Apply generously and properly - 30 minutes before sun exposure. For most sunscreens, reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, toweling dry or perspiring. Guard against loss of your sunscreen's effectiveness from heat by keeping it in your cooler.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible or cover up with protective clothing. Dark colors provide better protection than light colors. Choose tightly woven fabric and select a hat with a broad brim to protect your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
• Regular skin examinations are key. This includes monthly self exams as well as an annual skin examination by a health care practitioner to identify any changes in your skin or the development of anything new. Click here to see images and information on what malignant melanoma can look like.

Source: American Cancer Society