1) Cover Up

When you’re outside, try to wear long pants and long-sleeved tops. If possible, choose dark-colored, tightly woven fabrics or look for fabrics that are specially designed to block UV rays.

2) Limit Midday Sun Exposure

Avoid sun exposure during midday. From 10 am to 4 pm the sun’s rays are at their peak, which also means the highest levels of skin-damaging UV rays. A good rule of thumb is to stay out of the sun when your shadow is shorter than you.

3) Wear A Hat

Many types of skin cancer and UV-related sun damage impact the ears, nose, lips, and cheeks. Wearing a large-brimmed hat can help keep your face and eyes protected while outdoors.

4) Slap On The Sunscreen

Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation – even on overcast days, since UV rays can travel through clouds to cause damage to your skin.

5) Protect Your Eyes

It’s not just your skin that needs shielding from those intense UV rays – your eyes are also vulnerable to severe, and irreversible, UV damage. Wearing a pair of high-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyesight while you’re outside – not to mention the fact that color-changing sunglasses are also a great fashion accessory!

6) Sun and Medications Don’t Mix

Some medications can make your skin even more sensitive to the sun, including certain types of antibiotics, anti-fungals, chemotherapy, and blood pressure drugs. If you’re taking medications, be sure to ask your pharmacist about how your treatment could impact your sensitivity to UV rays.

7) Be Careful In The Water

Water reflects the intense UV rays from the sun, which can expose you to significantly higher levels of UV than you’d normally find away from the beach, lake, or river. Take extra care to apply waterproof, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when you’re planning on getting wet.