Sun Safety

Common Sun Myths

• A tan is healthy. Not true. A suntan is not a sign of health - it shows that your skin has been damaged. Sun damage is not reversible and usually happens before you can see or feel it.
• A tan protects you from sun damage. Not true. Overexposure to the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and causes premature wrinkling.
• People with dark skin are already protected. Not true. Everyone, regardless of skin type, needs protection from the sun.
• Staying in the shade prevents burning Not true. Even if it's cloudy, surfaces such as water, sand, concrete, and snow reflect the sun's rays on to your skin. Clouds filter about 80 percent of the ultraviolet rays, but UV can penetrate thin clouds, fog and haze.
• You will not sunburn while swimming. Not true. The sun's rays penetrate under water. Radiation penetrates deeper into the skin when it is wet. Wear a t-shirt and hat while in the water. Use a water resistant sunscreen and re-apply it frequently and liberally.
• Glass protects you from ultraviolet rays. Not true. UVA rays can penetrate glass and produce some tanning, both immediate and delayed. This can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

• Limit sun exposure, especially when the sun's rays are the most intense between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat, made of closely woven material, that covers your ears and neck. Also wear sunglasses and a loose fitting long sleeved shirt and pants.
• Sit under trees, awnings and umbrellas for shade.
• If you must be in direct sunlight, use a sunscreen to prevent burns. Sunscreen should be SPF (skin protection factor) 15 or higher, PABA free, fragrance free, and water resistant. Apply sunscreen 30-60 minutes before going out in the sun, and before you apply any other creams, such as moisturizer.
• If you have an allergic reaction to sunscreen, such as redness, itching, blotchiness or a rash, stop using the product and call you doctor.
• Avoid tanning parlours, home tanning lamps and beds. These machines produce the same wave lengths of light as the sun and cause the same damage.

• Babies burn more easily. Children with deeply pigmented (dark) skin require just as much protection as children with fair skin.
• Babies have more sensitive skin because the outermost layer of skin is thinner. One blistering sunburn doubles a child's lifetime risk of skin cancer.
• A baby can't tell you she's too hot or the sun is too bright. Your baby may be crying and you won't know whether she's tired, hungry or hot. Babies can't physically move themselves out of the sunlight - they need your attention and help!
• Keep babies under one year old out of direct sunlight. Keep babies in the shade in a covered stroller or play pen. Dress them in long pants, long sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hats. Closely woven materials are best. If a fabric is sheer enough that you can see through it then the sun's rays will get through.
• Do not use sunscreen on a baby under one year old!
• Book your child's outdoor sports lessons or practices early in the morning or late afternoon.
• Ensure that shade from trees, awnings or umbrellas is provided outside your home for your children to play in, including sand boxes, swimming and wading pools.
• Check that your local playground has a shaded area or provides overhead shade structures.
• Follow rules for sunscreen application (see above).
• Young children should never be left alone in a hot car!