Rules to Protect Yourself From Sun Damage

Sunburns, skin cancer and wrinkles are just some of the effects that result from overexposure to the sun. In order to avoid sun damage, you need to follow precautions that are mostly simple and cheap to put into effect.

Cover Up

• The most basic way to avoid sun damage is to keep sensitive skin covered with clothes that protect you from the sun's rays. A hat is particularly important, especially for people with thin hair or bald patches. Hats with wide brims also partially shade the face and neck. UV-protection sunglasses can offer an additional layer of protection.

  If you are especially sensitive to sunlight, look for clothes with additional protection--most regular clothing does let in some sunlight.

Sunscreen

• Sunscreen is especially helpful in the hot summer months when heavy clothing is uncomfortable. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your skin, but be extra careful when protecting your nose and lips. The nose burns easily and might require stronger sunscreen than the rest of your body. For your lips, be sure to use a lip gloss that contains sunscreen.

  Sunscreens are distinguished by their SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. The SPF number tells you how long you can stay in the sun safely: multiply the number by the number of minutes you could normally be in the sun without burning. If you burn in 20 minutes, an SPF of 15 means you could stay outside for 300 minutes without damage. In order to determine the correct SPF for your needs, figure out how long you will be in the sun consistently and how bright the sun is. On cloudy days or in shady locations, you can use a lower SPF sunscreen. In general, always use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

  If you are planning to exercise heavily or swim, make sure you use a sunscreen that is waterproof and long-lasting.

  Small children and people with fair skin are especially prone to sunburns and other sun damage and need a stronger SPF sunscreen.

  Be careful of situations in which the sunlight reflects off a surface, such as when skiing or boating. The reflection increases your sun exposure and demands a stronger sunscreen.

Timing

• Try to avoid spending significant amounts of time outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its brightest and the chances of sun damage are the highest. If you need to be outside then, try to stick to the shade and be sure to reapply sunscreen every few hours.

  Sun damage is cumulative, so a shorter duration of sun exposure will mean less sun damage. Without sunscreen, you should not spend more than 20 minutes in direct sunlight if you want to avoid the beginnings of a burn. People with darker skin may be able to stay out longer, but sun damage does affect everyone, regardless of skin tone.