Sun Safety Tips

Spending time in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.  To reduce this risk, consumers should regularly use sun protection measures including:

• Use sunscreens with broad spectrum SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
• Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
• Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun; for example, long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, more often if you’re sweating or jumping in and out of the water.

This article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Tips for Applying Sunscreen

• Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
• Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
• If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
• Reapply at least every two hours.
• Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a health care professional before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
• Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they go out.

Choosing the right sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.

Learn more at  SpotSkinCancer.org

Download the PDF: How to select a sunscreen