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Sun Safety Tips
The most common cause of skin cancer is sun damage. Ultraviolet rays from
the sun cause tanning and burning. Tanned skin is damaged skin, which can
lead to dryness, wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer. This damage
cannot be repaired.

How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
• Stay out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s rays are the
strongest. Sand, water and the concrete around pools reflect most of the
sun’s harmful rays into shaded places.
• Apply a sunscreen before going outdoors even in the winter. The sunlight
coming through car windows can damage your skin.
• Wear tightly woven clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. If you
can see light when holding fabric up to the light, the sun can get in. A wet
t-shirt lets in almost as much sunlight as bare skin.
• Wear a tightly woven hat with a brim and sunglasses.
Do not use tanning beds. The ultraviolet light causes premature aging
and increases the risk of skin cancer.
• Certain medicines increase sensitivity to the sun. Avoid being in the sun
when taking these medicines.
How to Choose a Sunscreen
• Choose a sunscreen with a SPF factor of 15
or higher that also blocks the full spectrum
of UVA light. SPF ratings tell you how well
the sunscreen shields against UVA rays that
burn and damage the skin.
• Avoid products that combine UV and insect
protection in one bottle. The sunscreen may
be less effective.
• Oil-free products are best for you if you get
acne breakouts.
• If a sunscreen causes stinging, itching or a
rash, try a fragrance-free formula.
• Cosmetics, moisturizer or make-up