Outdoor Sun Safety Guide

After the doldrums of winter, the summer sunshine is simply beckoning for us to go out and enjoy the warmth. Staying out too long or unprotected does have its risks though. Skin cancer, sunburn, and eye damage are some of the most common conditions that people develop by not protecting themselves appropriately. In general, always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wear proper clothing to help increase the protection that your skin receives. Sunglasses and a large hat also help to minimize sun damage. Read on to find out more on how the sun can hurt us and how to have fun outdoors safely.

Sun Dangers

• Excessive Sun Exposure – Learn about some basic dangers caused by prolonged sun exposure, including the ABCs of moles.
• Eye Damage – Even your eyes can be damaged from too much sun exposure if you are outdoors for long periods of time without sunglasses.
• Effects of Sun Exposure – Constantly exposing unprotected skin to the sun’s rays can also cause it to age faster, and break out into allergic reactions in some cases.
• Sunlight, Radiation, and UV – See how different aspects of the sun can damage our skin in several ways.

Skin Cancer

• What is Skin Cancer? – This simple guide answers some of the most basic questions about skin cancer, how it forms, and how to prevent it.
• Skin Cancer Statistics – Read about different aspects of skin cancer, which types of people are more vulnerable to it, and how much treatment costs vary.

Sunburns

• An Introduction to Sunburn – When the skin is left unexposed to the sun for too long, it can develop into a sunburn, which includes redness, blistering, inflammation, or peeling.
• Sunburn Causes and Care – If you do get a sunburn, you can treat it at home with cold rags, moisturizers, and painkillers.
• Preventing Sunburn – Knowing about sunburns and taking active steps to prevent is the best way to stay safe while enjoying the sunshine.

Sun and Kids Safety

• Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Pay special attention to how you apply sunscreen and inspect repellent, since combining the two can be very dangerous especially on kids!
• Kids and the Sun – Are kids also susceptible to skin cancer or sunburn?

General Sun Safety Resources

• Protective Measures (PDF) – Protective clothing and sunscreen are two ways to safeguard your skin from sun dangers.
• Sunglasses (PDF) – This brochure explains in detail why sunglasses should be worn, and what features to look for when shopping for a new pair.