Express Advice

• 5 Easy Steps
• Application Tips

Here are 5 Easy Steps for Safe Sun Fun

Following these 5 easy steps will help you and your family enjoy outdoor activities while limiting the risk of harmful overexposure to the sun:

1) Apply sunscreen daily

Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply 15-30 minutes before you go outside. Cover exposed areas generously, including ears, nose, the tops of feet and back of knees. Use a lip balm with a sunscreen for your lips
(SPF 15), which can blister if unprotected.

2) Repeat the application every 2 hours

Apply a broad spectrum, SPF 15 or higher sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out . Reapply sunscreen to exposed sites 15 to 30 minutes after sun exposure begins and then every two hours, especially after prolonged swimming, vigorous activity, excessive perspiration, or towelling.

3) Use sunscreen everyday, year-round

This is important even under cloudy or overcast skies, since 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate thin clouds, mist and fog. The sun’s radiation is strongest during the summer months. However, people often get sunburns in late April and May. Because the weather is cool, they don’t think the sun is strong enough to burn if they can’t feel its heat! Protection is also recommended in winter because of the strong reverberation of ultraviolet rays reflected by the snow.

4) Choose the right Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

The SPF number indicates how much longer a person can stay in the sun before beginning to burn, when using a sunscreen, than they would without using any sunscreen at all. However, the majority of dermatologists recommend using a product that has a protection indicator of at least 15.

For children, choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and that the SPF is at least 30 Coppertone^® Bébés-Soleil^™ sunscreen was specially formulated to be used without any danger to babies’ skin.

5) Wear a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing

Wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Choose materials that are light and cool, such as cotton or lightweight synthetics. Shirts with collars will also help protect your neck. Wear a wide brimmed or legionnaire-style hat (with a back flap). Baseball caps don’t protect the ears or the vulnerable neck area.

Don’t forget sunglasses. 100% UV protection, wraparounds are best!