Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to ensure maximum sun protection. For an average-sized adult, a well-filled palm or 20 ml of sunscreen is suffi ient for one complete all-over body application. This amount will vary for children.

Sunscreen should be applied 30-minutes before going outdoors to enable the active ingredients in the sunscreen to blend into your skin to provide maximum sun protection. It should be re-applied every two hours or directly following any strenuous physical activity and/or swimming.

Wear tightly woven, light coloured and breathable fabrics to ensure that the sun’s harmful UV rays cannot penetrate through them, as there are small gaps in between the weaves of most fabrics. During intense sun conditions it is a good idea to wear sunscreen underneath clothing for maximum protection. In addition, wear widebrimmed hats and sunglasses that provide UV protection to protect the face and eyes from sun exposure.

Sunscreens should be applied only to dry skin to ensure that it’s properly absorbed into the skin to provide maximum effectiveness against harmful sun exposure. Therefore, it is not a good idea to apply sunscreen right after getting out of the bath, shower or pool – you need to wait until your skin is completely dry first.

The face is the most common area that skin cancer is detected, as it receives the most sun exposure. Remember to pay special attention to key areas on your face such as the nose, the eye-lids, the ears, the hairline and the mouth’s contour. And, use a sunscreen underneath your makeup that is specifi cally formulated for the sensitive skin of the of the face, with moisturizing and non-comedogenic properties.

Exposure to the sun can leave your lips dry and chapped – and increase the risk of sun damage. To protect your lips throughout the year, get in the habit of regularly using a lip balm with a SPF of 30 or higher.

UVB rays reach their maximum intensity during summer between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid direct sun exposure during this time period to prevent sunburn, skin damage, and/or dehydration.

Before purchasing sunscreen, read the label to ensure that it provides the best active ingredients such as Mexoryl SX®, Mexoryl XL®, photostabilized Parsol 1789®, titanium dioxide to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Equally important when reading the label is to look for the logo and stamp of approval from the Dermatology Association.

For maximum protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays use a SPF of 30 or higher. If you have sensitive or fair skin, then use a higher SPF to prevent sunburn and/or skin damage. And, if you are heading for a tropical destination, or planning to visit a place with a higher altitude to ski or go hiking then you should defi nitely opt for a higher SPF.

Instilling the importance of proper suncare into your children at a young age is ideal so it becomes a habit through childhood to adulthood. One easy to remember tip you can share with your child is The Shadow Rule. As the smaller the shadow of person is, the more dangerous the UVB rays are so your child should be aware of his/her shadow and its size when outdoors and if it appears small then he/she needs to go indoors or play in the shade and apply a SPF 60 sunscreen to avoid a sunburn.

By incorporating these easy-to-follow tips and apply into everyday life, you will help to safeguard your skin against the damaging effects of the sun’s harmful UV rays to enjoy a healthier outdoor lifestyle.