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Sensible Sun Safety Tips 1. Avoid unprotected exposure when the sun is at its strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. UV rays pass through clouds and water, so don't assume you're safe if it's not sunny or you're feeling comfortable in the cool water. 2. Check the UV Index for your area before planning a day outside. This number between 1 and 10 is a measure of the amount of radiation reaching the Earth's surface. The higher the number, the greater the exposure. You can find the UV Index by clicking here and entering your ZIP code. 3. Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. For ideal sun safety, glasses should have 99-100 percent UV absorption. Darker lenses are not necessarily better because the protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses. Look for an ANSI label. 4. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply generously and properly - 30 minutes before sun exposure. For most sunscreens, reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, toweling dry or perspiring. 5. Stay in the shade as much as possible or cover up with protective clothing. Dark colors provide better protection than light colors. Choose tightly woven fabric to maximize sun safety. 6. Wear a hat. Choose a hat with a broad brim to protect your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. A baseball cap doesn't protect your ears or the back of your neck. 7. Keep your sunscreen cool. Guard against loss of your sunscreen's effectiveness from heat by keeping it in your cooler.
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