Content

• Steps
• Advice

It can be fun to go out and enjoy the sun, vitamin D from the sun will be beneficial for your health. However, too much sunlight is harmful. Prolonged sun exposure can cause wrinkles, sunburn, and skin damage. Too much sun exposure also increases your risk of skin cancer. A good sunscreen can protect you from the sun. In addition, choosing clothes will help you reduce your exposure to the sun.You should also avoid the daytime sun as much as possible.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use sunscreen

1. 

   Choose a sunscreen with a safe SPF. You should wear sunscreen every time you go out, even when it's overcast. Make sure you choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) strong enough to protect you from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
   • Choose to buy a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The number is on the top of the sunscreen box.
   • If you have cancer, or pre-cancer, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 45 or higher.
   • Look for the term "broad spectrum" on the sunscreen box. This phrase ensures the sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.

2. 

   
   
   Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before leaving the house. Do this every time you leave the house during the day when it is sunny. This is especially important if you stay in the sun for more than 30 minutes.
   • If you have trouble remembering sunscreen, try leaving a reminder note at the door before you step outside.

3. 

   
   
   Apply the cream every 2 hours. Keep track of the time you spend outdoors. You need to try to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to be effective. If you stay indoors all day and go out into the street before sunset, you should also reapply sunscreen.
   • If you go swimming, you need to reapply sunscreen after getting out of the water even after less than two hours.

4. 

   
   
   Apply an appropriate amount. Many people do not know how much sunscreen they actually need to protect themselves. You need at least 45 ml of sunscreen to apply all exposed skin. This amount of sunscreen is equivalent to a full glass of wine.
   • Gently apply sunscreen all over your skin instead of rubbing it vigorously.
   • Be sure to apply all exposed skin, including the skin on the back. Ask someone to put on sunscreen if there's something you can't reach.
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Method 2 of 3: Protect yourself with clothes

1. 

   Check how well your clothes are against the sun. When you go out in the sun, especially for a long day, you should wear clothes that block the harmful UV rays. A good way to check clothing is to put your hand inside the garment before wearing it.
   • Shine light on clothes. If you can see your hands clearly under the fabric they provide little protection.
   • Choose other clothes or apply sunscreen to the skin area.

2. 

   Wear sunglasses. You should wear sunglasses all year round, not just in the summer. Be sure to check the glass label before buying. The sunglasses you wear must block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
   • If you have a purse or backpack, try to have sunglasses in it. This way, you will remember to take them with you every time you leave the house.

3. 

   Wear a hat with a brim about 7.5 cm wide. This will cover areas like your head where it is difficult to safely apply sunscreen. The upper part of your ears, back and neck will be protected by the matching hat. With a brim at least 7.5 cm wide, you will be protected from the sun.

4. 

   Wear clothes that cover more of the skin. Wear long clothes to protect your skin from the sun. Some clothes have UV protection built in and are labeled with an UV protection rating (UPF). A UPF rating of 50 allows only 1/50 of the UVB rays to reach your skin.
   • During the warmer months, longer clothes can make you uncomfortable. During these months, pay special attention to applying sunscreen to sun-exposed areas of the body.
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Method 3 of 3: Avoid the sun

1. 

   Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these hours, the sun is at its peak. Your skin is most vulnerable at this time of day.
   • If you must be out in the sun, look for shade under trees, awnings, and other objects whenever possible.
   • You should limit your sun exposure during these hours, especially if your skin is sensitive.

2. 

   Be extra careful around water, snow, and sand. Sometimes the sun bounces back from water, snow, and sand. This means that even during winter it is necessary to use sunscreen and sun protection. Your risk of getting a sunburn increases when you are near water, snow, and sand.
   • Make sure you pay more attention when in such terrain. Always wear sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and wear protective clothing.

3. 

   Protect yourself from the sun from indoors and cars. The sun can be harmful, even when you are indoors. You can install transparent window shields to shade the sun. You should also wear sunglasses even when driving or sitting by a window indoors.
   • Remember, the screens are only protective when the windows are closed.
   • You should not use car lid doors though. You should also avoid lowering the hood if you have a convertible.
   • Sunlight can also pass through your windows, exposing you to UVA rays. Therefore, you should pull down the curtains during peak sunny hours or away from windows. You can also apply sunscreen while indoors.
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Advice

• Regularly check your skin for unusual discolored areas or moles. If you find anything suspicious, see a dermatologist immediately.
• Use a skin dye instead of a tanning bed. Sunbathing beds are unsafe and can cause skin cancer. Ideally, you should not use this method to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.