Seven Tips for Outdoor Sun Safety

1. Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection. The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays which cause premature aging and sunburn, respectively.
2. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
3. Be mindful of medications you are taking. Some antibiotics and medicines make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
4. Wear eye protection. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce the cumulative damage that causes eye problems—such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration—in seniors.
5. There are two types of sunscreens: Physical and Chemical. Physical sunscreen works like a shield and contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreen works as a sponge and absorbs the sun’s rays. It usually contains oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octisalate.
6. Water, snow, and sand can reflect and amplify the suns’ damaging rays.
7. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can reach your skin.