Safe In The Sun

Sun protection tips reduce
the risks of sun damage.

Here are a number of basic sun protection tips to help reduce the risks of sun damage:


  • Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Seek shade. If there is no shade, create your own with an umbrella.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your arms and legs.
  • Wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection.
  • Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Look for a broad-spectrum product that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a higher SPF if you will be spending longer periods of time outdoors, if you have fair skin, or if your doctor recommends it.
  • Women who are pregnant and those taking oral contraceptives may be at risk for darker pigmentation on the cheeks and forehead (“pregnancy mask”). If you are in this group, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 that has both UVA and UVB protection.
  • If you feel you must have a tan, use a self-tanning cream or bronzer, but remember that self-tanning products do not provide sun protection.
  • Check the UV index daily and take appropriate precautions. This information is readily available online.

Skin Types and Reaction to the Sun's Rays:


Skin Type
What It Looks Like
Sensitivity to UVA
Reaction to Sun
Type I
Caucasian, very fair skin tone, freckles, blond or red hair, blue eyes
Very sensitive
Always burns easily, never tans
Type II
Caucasian, fair skin tone, freckles, blond or red hair, blue or green eyes
Very sensitive
Usually burns easily, tans with difficulty
Type III
Darker Caucasian, light Asian, fair to medium skin tone
Sensitive
Burns moderately, tans gradually
Type IV
Mediterranean, Asian, Hispanic, medium skin tone
Moderately sensitive
Rarely burns, always tans well
Type V
Middle Eastern, Latin, light-skinned African, Indian, olive or dark skin tone
Minimally sensitive
Very rarely burns, tans very easily
Type VI
Dark-skinned African, very dark skin tones
Least sensitive
Never burns, deeply pigmented