Spending time outside is a great way to stay active and improve your mood, but it’s important to protect your skin while you’re enjoying the sunshine. At North Mississippi Health Services, we want to help you make smart, simple choices that support your long-term health—starting with sun safety.

Exposure to ultraviolet, or UV, radiation from the sun can lead to painful sunburns, premature aging and skin cancer. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Fortunately, most cases are preventable.

5 Sun Safety Tips

Sun damage can happen even on cloudy or cool days, so it’s important to make protection part of your daily routine. Here are five easy ways to stay safe:

1. Wear sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it 15 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
2. Cover up. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tightly woven fabrics and clothing labeled with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) offer the best protection.
3. Wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat provides coverage for your face, neck and ears, which are especially vulnerable to sun exposure.
4. Protect your eyes. UV rays can damage your eyes over time, increasing your risk of cataracts and other vision problems. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
5. Find shade. Limit your time in direct sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. If you’re outdoors, seek out shade or bring your own with an umbrella or tent.

Apply Sunscreen the Right Way

Most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen—roughly the size of a shot glass—to fully cover exposed skin. Don’t forget commonly missed areas like your ears, lips, scalp, the tops of your feet and the back of your neck. Use lip balm with SPF and check expiration dates on your products to ensure effectiveness.

Sun Safety is for Everyone

No matter your age, gender or skin tone, UV rays can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. People with darker skin may not burn as easily, but they are still at risk for long-term sun damage. It’s especially important to teach children sun-safe habits early and model those behaviors as they grow.

Your Health, Your Future

At NMHS, we believe prevention is one of the best forms of care. Taking just a few simple steps each day to protect your skin can help you stay healthier in the long run. Apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing and seek shade when you can. Your future self will thank you.