How to Protect Yourself From the Sun in a Sunny Place

The sun emits ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays that may be harmful with unprotected exposure. Radiation from the sun may result in sunburn, cataracts, premature aging, suppression of the immune system and skin cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States." To protect yourself from the damaging effects of UV radiation, you must protect your skin against sun exposure, especially in a sunny place where shade is not readily available.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Protective clothing
• Protective hat
• Sun-protection cosmetics

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Choose sunscreen with a broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure it has at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Check the expiration date to ensure that the sunscreen is still useful. Use an ounce to cover all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

• 2

  Select loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover your arms and legs. Choose tightly woven fabrics with darker shades to block out radiation. Test the fabric to make sure it's tightly woven. Hold it up against the light; if you can see through it, that means ultraviolet rays can penetrate it as well. Select unbleached cotton fabrics, as they contain UV absorbers called lignins. Buy clothes that are treated with chemical ultraviolet absorbers and have a ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating.

• 3

  Use a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire-style hat to shade your face, neck and ears from the sun. Make sure the brim is wide and the hat is made of tightly woven materials, such as canvas, to block sunlight. Choose dark-colored hats, as they offer better protection than lighter ones. Look for hats with a UPF rating of at least 30.

• 4

  Wear protective sunglasses to protect your eyes against cataracts and retinal degeneration. Make sure sunglasses offer 99 to100 percent coverage against UVA and UVB radiation. Choose larger-sized sunglasses with wraparound side shields to better protect your eyes.

• 5

  Look for cosmetics with built-in sun protection -- from body lotion to facial moisturizer to lipstick or lip gloss. Choose those with at least an SPF of 25 or above. Wear sunscreen on top of that to minimize the harmful effects of sun radiation.