5 Things to Know for Sun Safety

1. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which tells you how long the sun’s UV rays would take to darken your skin versus the amount of time without sunscreen.

2. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect you from UVA rays (that cause sunburn) and UVB rays (that cause skin damage).

3. Not all sunglasses are created equal.

Wrap-around or oversized styles offer more protection but make sure they block 99% to 100% of UV rays.

4. UPF clothing can be expensive.

Clothes labeled with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) provide a level of certainty. Still, standard fabrics like cotton and denim that cover most of your body can also offer some protection.

5. Some clothing colors can provide UV protection.

Darker and more vivid colors absorb more UV than pale colors, making them less likely to reach your skin.