Sun Protection

The following are some specific guidelines for avoiding excessive sun exposure:

•  Use sunscreens that block out both UVA and UVB radiation. Do not rely on sunscreen alone for sun protection. Also wear protective clothing and sunglasses.
• Avoid sun exposure, particularly during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest.
• Use precautions, even on cloudy days. Clouds and haze do not protect you from the sun, and in some cases may intensify UVB rays.
• Avoid reflective surfaces such as water, sand, concrete, and white-painted areas.
• UV intensity depends on the angle of the sun, not heat or brightness. The dangers are greater closer to the start of summer.
• Skin burns faster at higher altitudes. One study suggested that an average complexioned person burns in 6 minutes at 11,000 feet at noon compared to 25 minutes at sea level.
•  Avoid sun lamps, tanning beds, and tanning salons. The machines use mostly high-output UVA rays.