Good sun safety habits
Cover Up
The sun is everywhere! Cover up as much as you can by wearing:
- A wide brimmed hat for your head, ears and nose.
- Sunglasses for your eyes.
- Dry, protective clothing for your body such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Clothes with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), such as rash guards, are a great way to protect your skin and help reduce sunscreen misuse when you are in the water.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should always be worn while outside, every day and all year long. Repeated and unprotected time spent under the sun can cause permanent damage to your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
How to apply sunscreen
- Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go outside.
- Apply sunscreen on exposed areas; your ears, nose, lips and feet.
- Apply sunscreen SPF (Sun Protective Factor) of at least 15 that protects against UVA and UVB rays (broad spectrum).
- Apply sunscreen only to infants who are over the age of 6 months. Keep newborns out of the sun.
How to reapply sunscreen
Continue to apply sunscreen every 2 hours, after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Additional Tips
- Limit sun time. Try to limit your time in the sun during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM and seek shade as much as possible.
- Check your medications. Some medications can cause you to become more sensitive to the sun.
When an accident happens, CHOC is ready with the only pediatric-dedicated emergency department and trauma center in Orange County. For more important tips to prevent injuries in children and teens, visit choc.org/safety.
