Sun Protection Guide

Today, your doctor has reminded you to practice consistent sun protection. Inadequate sun protection can lead to photo aging (skin damage caused by excessive sun exposure), skin cancers and worsening of many skin conditions. This is particularly important for kids, as greater than 70 percent of sun exposure happens before individuals turn age 18. This handout provides you with common sense ways to make sure you have adequate sun protection.

Minimize UV exposure

• Whenever possible, seek shade.
  
• Avoid peak sun exposure at midday (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
  
• Avoid UV reflection surfaces: sand, water, snow.
  
• Avoid sun lamps and tanning parlors.
  
• Sunless tanners are a safe alternative to tanning but the color from self-tanners does not increase sun protection.
  
• Check daily UV Index.

UV INDEX, Enviornmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Rating	Risk	Minutes to burn	Precautions
0 - 2	Minimal	60 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses
2 - 4	Low	45 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses
4 - 6	Moderate	30 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses, Hat
6 - 10	High	15 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses, Hat, Umbrella
10 - 15	Very High	10 minutes	Sunscreen, UV sunglasses, Hat, Umbrella, Avoid midday sun

Physical Protection

• Wear tightly-woven protective broad-brim hats and clothing, such as long-sleeves and pants. You can find these online, at local camping or sports stores. Tighter weave fabrics offer greater protection than loose knit fabrics.
  
• Apply UV blocking films to windows in cars and home.
  
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses.

Broad spectrum Sunscreens covering both UVA and UVB

• Choose broad spectrum sunscreens (UVA/UVB) with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15.
  
• Use plenty of sunscreen, and apply daily, 30 minutes before going outdoors, even on cloudy days.
  • Use at least ½ tsp. of UVA/UVB sunscreen for adequate coverage of the face and neck, and arms.
    
  • Use at least 1 tsp. of UVA/UVB sunscreen on the front and back parts of your body and legs.
• Reapply every two to three hours, especially when wet or having extended sun exposure.
  
• Look for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) seal of recognition on sunscreen products. These products have met a stringent set of evidence-based criteria supporting their sun protection benefit. Portions of proceeds also support skin cancer public education programs.