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Practice Safe Sun


How to Practice Safe Sun

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) encourages you to #PracticeSafeSun whenever you're outdoors. When you Practice Safe Sun, you protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Here's why it's important:

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.

  • People of all skin tones get skin cancer.

  • Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

  • When you protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, you reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

To protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and reduce your risk, dermatologists recommend that you:

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Seek shade

Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also look at your shadow. Any time your shadow appears shorter than you, seek shade.

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Wear sun-protective clothing

Wear a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

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Apply sunscreen

Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.


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Last updated: 4/18/22

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