Sun Safety Tips

Sunshine may be good for you, but sun safety is something to definitely keep in mind.

Here’s a guide you can follow to stay safe in the sun – Enjoy your time outdoors and experience the benefits of sunshine.

1. Do not allow your skin to burn. Burning your skin will destroy healthy living tissue. Repeated burns can cause irreversible damage. This can increase your risk of skin cancer! Also, your skin will lose its elasticity if you keep getting sunburned or if you keep deep tanning your skin. This will leave you wrinkled and prematurely aged. Pay attention to sun safety!



2. If you have fair skin, be extra careful. Your skin type can get burned easily which puts this skin type at increased risk of skin cancer. Start with 3 – 4 minutes of exposure each day and slowly and gradually work your way up. Get out of the sun if you start to get pink or feel your skin burning.
3. If you are going out into the sunshine for long periods of time wear protective clothing, sunglasses (with UVA and UVB protection), and a natural sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more if needed.
4. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun. Don’t forget about your ears, lips, and nose. Those parts can get burned easily. Apply more sunscreen after you swim or if you have been sweating. Choose a non-toxic natural sunscreen if you can.
5. Be careful when you are outside around snow or water. The reflection from snow and water can increase your exposure to the sun’s rays.
6. If you are planning an outdoor trip or vacation or are planning on spending more time outdoors, start preparing your skin days in advance. You can do this by gradually increasing the amount of time you spend in the sun.
7. Plan to spend time outdoors either in the early morning before 10 am or later on in the afternoon after 4 pm. If you need to be outside between 10 am and 4 pm try to stay in the shade or cover your limbs and wear a hat.
8. Do not go to sleep in the sun. You may wake up and find yourself with a severe burn. Ouch!
9. If you have a baby that is less than one year of age, keep him (or her) out of direct sunlight.
10. If you have any health conditions or are taking any medications, check with your doctor before spending any length of time in direct sunlight. Some medications can make you extra-sensitive to sunlight.
11. Sunlight can lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If you are an insulin dependant diabetic, you need to be very careful when sunbathing to prevent your blood sugar level from dipping too low. Never make changes in your medication without consulting a medical doctor first.

*Print out these sun safety tips and keep them as a handy reference.

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