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This consumer update is brought to you by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration.
Sun safety is important for everyone, of all ages,
in all seasons, and even on cloudy or hazy days.
Here's how to protect yourself from harmful
ultraviolet radiation when heading outdoors.
Shield your skin from the sun by staying in the
shade or wearing protective clothing.
When staying in the shade or covering up are not
options, apply sunscreen to all areas of your skin
that will be exposed to the sun.
"With sunscreen, it's important to read the
label and apply the recommended amount evenly
to ALL uncovered skin, especially your lips,
nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet."
"Make sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of
15 or more.
SPF stands for 'sun protection factor'.
The higher the number, the better the protection.
Everyone ages 6 months and up needs sunscreen.
Ask a doctor before applying sunscreen to
children younger than 6 months.
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the
sun.
And remember to reapply it every 2 hours.
If you have little or no hair, be sure to wear a
cap or hat.
If you can't wear a hat, apply sunscreen to the top
of your head.
And remember to protect your eyes.
"Everyone needs sunglasses for protection.
Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand or water
increases exposure to UV radiation, raising the
risk of eye injury, including cataracts and
blindness."
When buying sunglasses, make sure the label says
that the lenses provide "99 to 100%" UV
protection.
A darker tint does NOT mean better protection.
For better protection, wear sunglasses that wrap
around your temples.
These block sunlight that can enter from the sides.
Children need sunglasses too.
Read the label to make sure their sunglasses also
provide "99% to 100%" UV protection.
And for safety, polycarbonate lenses are
the most shatter-resistant.
"Not all sunglasses are equal - darker is not
better, and more expensive does not equal more
protection.
If the label doesn't show that your sunglasses
provide '99 to 100% UV protection', get yourself
a pair that does."
For more on this and other health topics
go to www.FDA.gov/consumer.