5 tips to protect your skin from the sun

BE sun smart this summer and spend your days safely in the sun. Be extra careful around water and sand. These surfaces reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of getting sunburn.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) embarks on their Sun Smart campaign in December, every year, to encourage residents to be proactive about protecting their skin.

Also read: How to make your skin glow naturally this summer

The campaign also serves as a reminder to keep babies younger than six months old completely covered and in the shade.

People should limit the amount of time they spend in the sun between 10:00 and 16:00. This is when the sun’s rays are the most intense. Practise the shadow rule: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest, and you should find shade.

How to protect your skin from the sun

 1. Shade

You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree or other shelter. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside, even when you’re in the shade.

 2. Clothing

When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can protect from UV rays. If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colours may offer more protection than lighter colours.

3. Hat

For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around, which shades your face, ears and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.

 4. Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

 5. Sunscreen

Before you go outside, put on broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.

Myths about the sun:

• The sun is only dangerous in summer or on a hot day.
• Sunscreen will protect me completely from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.
• One or two cases of sunburn won’t result in skin cancer.
• People with darker skin are not at risk of getting skin cancer.
• Sunbeds are a safer alternative to obtaining a tan.

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