Whether you’re heading to the beach or just going for a walk outdoors, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun.

Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to skin cancer, premature aging, skin damage and eye damage such as cataracts. Too much UV radiation can even suppress your immune system.

The good news is that a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your skin healthy and protected.

Guard against sunburns and suntans.

Do everything you can to avoid sunburns. Sunburns significantly increase a person’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.

Never try to get a tan in the sun or from a tanning bed. There is no such thing as a safe tanning bed. Some people believe that a base tan can protect from sunburn, but that’s a myth. Tanning is harmful to your skin.

Use sunscreen the right way.

Look for sunscreen of at least SPF 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Use sunscreen with a higher SPF for prolonged outdoor activity. No matter the SPF, reapply sunscreen every two hours – more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to spots that are often missed: your ears, scalp, the top of your feet and the back of your neck.

Cover up.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck. Look for clothing that offers UV protection, and choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Seek shade.

Avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when its rays are the strongest. If you are outdoors during that time, stay under the shade from an umbrella, tree or building. Wear sunscreen even in the shade.

Check the UV Index forecast, issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA, when planning your day.

Whenever possible, save outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the harshest rays.

Pay attention.

Water, snow and sand reflect UV rays, so be especially diligent about sun protection on these surfaces.

And don’t be fooled by clouds – up to 80% of UV rays can make it through a cloudy sky. So even if you can’t feel the sun on an overcast day, you could still be burned without sun protection.

To avoid the risk of sun damage to your skin, make sun protection part of your daily routine. Your efforts will be rewarded with healthier skin.

Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology Association
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency