Sun Safety and Tanning

• Check the daily forecast for the UV Index UV Index forecast.  When the UV Index is 3 or higher, protect your skin accordingly. In general, the UV Index in Canada can be 3 or higher from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. between April and September, even when it's cloudy.
• Seek shade or bring your own (e.g., an umbrella).
• Wear clothing and your favorite wide-brimmed hat that cover as much skin as possible, as appropriate to the activity and weather.
• Use sunscreen labelled "broad spectrum" and "water-resistant" with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, on skin not covered by clothing. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply at least every two hours.
• Avoid getting a sunburn or deliberately trying to get a suntan, and avoid using UV tanning equipment.

• Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection or prescription eyeglasses with UV-protective lenses.
• Wear your favorite wide-brimmed hat for added eye protection.

• Use sources of vitamin D that are safer than UVR exposure, e.g., choose your favorite dietary sources from vitamin D fortified foods, and vitamin D supplements. Intentional UVR exposure to meet vitamin D requirements is not recommended.

• Good-quality shade includes dense vegetation and covered structures that offer shade from the side, and not just overhead, to protect against scattered UVR.
• Cloth sources of shade, such as canopies and umbrellas, should have tightly woven fabric.
• Additional personal protection (clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen) is recommended even when in the shade to protect against scattered UVR, especially on high UV Index days.

• Hats with a wide brim that shade the head, face, ears and back of the neck are best.
• In general, clothing provides better protection than sunscreen.
• Tightly woven or UV-protective labelled clothing is recommended.

•  Use sunscreen that says on the label:
• "Broad spectrum"
• "SPF 30" or higher
• "Water resistant"
• Sunscreen should be used on exposed skin not covered by protective clothing for the best protection. Consider using sunscreen for the lips (e.g., sunscreen lip balm) as well.
• Use a generous amount of sunscreen (e.g., the average adult requires approximately two to three tablespoons of lotion-formulated sunscreen to cover the whole body, and a teaspoon to cover the face and neck).
• Reapply after swimming, strenuous exercise, or toweling off.
• Sunscreen comes in a variety of formulations. Find one that suits you best and apply it properly with thorough coverage. Sunscreen formulations that you find easier to apply thoroughly will be more effective.

• Because UVR is harmful to the eyes and is present in the sun's rays all year round and throughout the day, eye protection may be required even when skin protection is not.
• Eye protection is essential around highly reflective environments, such as snow, sand and water to prevent UV damage to the eyes.
• The best UV protection for eyes is offered by close-fitting wraparound sunglasses.
• Opt for sunglasses or prescription lenses offering complete protection against UVA and UVB, for example lenses labelled "UV400" or "100% UV protection."
• Wear your favourite wide-brimmed hat for added eye protection.
  
  

Check out this video from the Canadian Cancer Society: