Did you know that unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays in as little as 15 minutes? Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection from the sun. It is UV rays, not the temperature, that damage our skin. Therefore, you should protect your skin all year round.
You may use sunscreen to protect your skin when you go to the pool or beach, but you must protect your skin anytime you are outside. When you’re working in the yard, watching a ballgame, or taking an afternoon walk, make sun safety an everyday habit so that you can avoid getting sunburn and lower your chance of getting skin cancer.
Here are some tips to help you avoid sunburn and stay sun-safe:
n Wear a lightweight long-sleeved shirt or cover-up.
n Wear a hat with a wide brim that shades your face, head, ears, and neck.
n Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
n Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection.
n Stay in the shade, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon.
n Try to stay in the shade, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon.
n If you cannot stay in the shade, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect your skin.
n Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
n Learn how to protect yourself from heat-related illness (see cdc.gov/heat-health/about/index.html).
For more information about how to protect your skin from the sun, go to cdc.gov/cancer/features/skin-cancer.html
— Benefits and Wellness,
Human Resources, 5-15-25
