The sun’s UV rays can cause skin damage at any time — but during the warmer months when kids and adults alike spend hours outdoors, the risk of sunburns run especially high.
But sunburns can be harmful to your health. A person’s risk of melanoma (a dangerous form of skin cancer) doubles if she or he has had 5 or more sunburns.
Protect your skin this summer with 5 easy steps:
- 15 minutes before going outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours (or immediately after you swim) when you’re outside.
- Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Don’t forget to wear a hat, clothes that cover your arms and legs, and sunglasses!
- Check your skin every day. Tell your doctor about any changes in moles or the appearance of new ones.