Summer Sun Facts
The hottest part of day also has the highest UV index, reduce your sun exposure by getting out of the sun or find some shade (take along an umbrella) between 11 am and 4 pm.
Clothing that is loose fitting, tightly woven, light weight and covers your arms and legs will protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Always wear a hat in when outdoors. Most skin cancers happen on the neck and face so make sure your hat covers those areas, such as a wide brimmed hat. Baseball caps protect your head and face but do not protect the ears and neck. Sunglasses is a very important accessory when outdoors. The sun’s rays can be very damaging to your eyes as well.
A ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen is most beneficial as it protects against UV-A and UV-B and look for an SPF of #15 or higher. Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen should be used in conjunction with protective clothing. Don’t think that you are protected just because you have sunscreen on.
Just because it’s cloudy out does not mean that it is safe to be outdoors without sun protection. About 80% of the sun’s rays make their way through clouds.
Sunlight does have health benefits as it provides us with vitamin D through our skin. Just a few minutes of unprotected sun exposure should be enough to meet your vitamin D requirements.
