A sunburn raises your risk of skin cancer, and skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The sun is hardest on skin between late morning and mid-afternoon.
Avoid the sun when it is strongest
Seek shade, especially between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Take breaks in the shade during long outdoor activity.
Cover up
Wear tightly woven, protective clothing. A wide-brimmed hat protects your face, neck and ears, and sunglasses protect your eyes.
Choose and apply sunscreen correctly
- Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Apply about one ounce, roughly a shot glass, to cover the body. Do not forget the ears, hands, feet and face.
- Apply about 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every two hours, and right after swimming or heavy sweating.
- Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.
Sunscreen works best when it is used every day, including cloudy days and during winter in snowy areas.
Protecting children
Keep babies under six months out of direct sun and use shade and clothing. Ask your child’s provider about sunscreen for babies older than six months. Check children’s skin regularly for new or changing spots.
Skin checks
If you have a spot that changes, bleeds, or does not heal, ask us to check it. Call (248) 690‑9181 to schedule a visit.