Sun Protection

Ultraviolet sunlight is a form of ionizing radiation, which damages skin, potentially leading to wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer.   If you have ever been burned - most people have - then sun protection is very important.  It is still possible to enjoy the outdoors. 

Avoidance

If possible, avoid the sun between the hours of 10 and 4.  A rule of thumb is that if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun is bright enough to burn.  Seek shade but remember that UV rays bounce off water, sand, snow, and other light colored areas, so shade is not enough.   Also, UVA can go through windows, so wear sunscreen in the car. 

Hats

Baseball-style hats give limited protection.  Straw hats with holes are not very protective.  Wear a hat (such as Tilley) with a full brim and dense, solid weave. 

Glasses

Don't forget to protect your eyes as well; use dark glasses with UV protection and that are large enough to cover most of the sunlight entering the eyes.

Long sleeves

If possible, wear a long-sleeve shirt with dense weave.  Some clothing makers now make sun protective clothing with ultraviolet protection factors (UPF) on the label (Coolibar).  White clothes are cooler.  Sunguard is a detergent with additives that increase the UV protection of clothes. 

Sunscreen

Apply a sun protective lotion to the face as part of your morning routine.  Makers such as Neutrogena, Clinique, Cetaphil, Olay, Skinceuticals, Anthelios, and others make lotions that are SPF 15 or higher.  If you will be outdoors during the day, apply SPF 30 or stronger sunscreen.  Ideally, it should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied before sun exposure.  Look for broad spectrum coverage (UVA & UVB).  The best sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are metals that may lend a slightly white hue.   These physical blockers bounce the sunlight off the skin.   Blue Lizard is a good brand, and is especially resistant to washing off.  You may want to apply Blue Lizard to the face especially, and a brand such as Coppertone elsewhere.   Don't forget lip balm with sunscreen. 

Application

Like painting a wall to hide the old color, 2 coats are best for keeping the sun from shining through.  Let the first coat dry, then repeat the application.  Use more sunscreen than you think you need; about a shot glass full for complete coverage on an adult.  

Fake tans

Rub on tanning lotions and spray on tans are becoming more popular.  Apply lotions after bathing, while skin is still moist.  Spread it out and avoid the knees and elbows, which will overly darken.  Moisten your hands and re-rub all the areas, which will spread the lotion evenly.

Children

Children less than a year old should be kept out of the sun.  Hats, long sleeves, and strollers with shades are important.  Swimsuits for children with skin coverage and UV protection are becoming more widely available (Sun-Togs, Coolibar).  Shades or tinted windows for the car are a good idea.  To avoid chemical sunscreen in young children, use physical blocking sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Vitamin D

With all this sun protection, it is important to get enough Vitamin D.  Drink milk and fortified orange juice, eat fatty fish like salmon and/or take a vitamin supplement.  Even slight sun exposure produces Vitamin D in the skin.