Summer is finally here! When the days get longer and the temperature gets warmer, everyone likes to spend time soaking in the sunshine. It’s also a good time to refresh your memory on how to prevent sun damage to your skin.

Protecting your skin

Ultraviolet (UV) rays – from the sun and other sources like tanning beds – are the main cause of skin cancer. Too much sun can also cause sunburn, eye damage and early wrinkles.

You can lower your risk with sun-safe clothing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and staying in the shade.

Take these steps to stay sun-safe –

• Cover up: When you are out in the sun, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UV light.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30: Be sure to reapply at least every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.
• Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
• Keep babies (6 months or less) out of the sun