Counter to most reports, exposure to the sun is not all bad. There are some good reasons for soaking up some rays, such as helping regulate your internal clock, adjusting your mood and positively affect your health. However, too much sun is harmful, increasing the risks of skin cancer for anyone spending extended periods of time outside without wearing sunscreen or covering up. So if you are outside for extended periods, don’t forget to put on the sunscreen when you’re putting on your swimsuit.
Safe Sun Exposure Recommendations
While a little bit of exposure to the sun is enjoyable, overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can result in a painful sunburn. This can lead to dangerous health problems, including premature skin aging, cataracts, immune system suppression, and skin cancer. Children are especially at risk. So how much time should you spend in the sun? Following are some safe sun exposure recommendations for experiencing the outdoors without exposing yourself to harm:
- Try not to burn. Sunburns significantly raise the lifetime risks of skin cancer.
- Skip tanning beds and sun tanning. UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds cause wrinkling and skin cancer.
- Wear protective clothing. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen generously. Apply one ounce of sunscreen with a 30 Sun Protection Factor (SPF) or higher to your skin before going outside. Reapply even on cloudy days every two hours, and after sweating or swimming.
- Use extra caution near water and sand. Water and sand reflect the sun's damaging rays, which can increase your chance of sunburns.
- Stake out the shade. Look for shade as much as possible, and don't forget that the harmful UV rays from the sun are the most potent between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
It is critical to shield children and young adults from overexposure to the sun. Avoid exposure for babies less than six months old, and dress infants in brimmed hats, lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts.