Sun Safety

Protect yourself and your family from the sun:

• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and has a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or greater, even on cloudy days. Buy a non-stinging product or one specially formulated for use on faces if you're using it on your face or your children. Buy a PABA-free brand if you are sensitive to that sunscreen ingredient.

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, especially if you're swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective, tightly woven clothing. Dark colors give more protection.
• Wear a 4-inch-wide broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protective lenses.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible.
• Avoid reflective surfaces that can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun's damaging rays.
• If you have oily skin or are acne-prone, select a water-based lotion.
• More expensive sunscreen is not better. Although a costly brand may feel or smell better, it isn't necessarily more effective.