Sun Safety Basics

Sun safety is as easy as 1-2-3:

1 Limit time in the midday sun.

• The sun's rays are strongest between 11am and 4pm. Whenever possible, limit exposure to the sun during these hours.

2 When your shadow is shorter than you, look for shade.

• Do outdoor activities under a tree, umbrella, or in the shade of a building.
• Create shade by planting trees or by using partial roofs, awnings, gazebo tents, etc.

3 Use the UV index each day to plan outdoor activities.

• Consult local radio and TV stations or  check on-line for the UV index forecast in your area. When the UV index is 3 or higher, wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Wear tightly-woven, loose-fitting, full-length shirts and pants.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection and ensure they wrap around your face.
• Apply a generous amount of sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) on all exposed areas 20 minutes before you go outside. Ideally, sunscreen should be reapplied 20 minutes after going outdoors so that the product stabilizes on the skin and gives maximum protection. Thereafter, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours (and more often if you are swimming or sweating).
• Do not put sunscreen on babies less than 6 months of age.

Before you go outside, watch this video and take the sun safety motto with you: cap it, shade it, drink it and screen it.

Remember:

• It is equally important to protect against ultraviolet radiation all year round; not just during the summer.
• Model sun-protective behaviour yourself - children learn best by example.
• Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about your medication.
• UV can be reflected off snow, water, sand and concrete. You need to protect yourself on cloudy days, when you're swimming, and even while skiing.
• Tanning equipment will damage your skin and should be avoided. Sunless tanning products such as bronzers offer an alternative to tanning and come in various forms (sprays, lotions, towelettes). It is important to note that, although these products may give skin a golden color, they do not offer ultraviolet protection. You still need to practice sun safety when using these products.