The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause short-term and long-term damage to skin and eyes. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get sun burn or skin cancer and everyone should use sun protection. Some people should take extra care to lower their risk, including:
- Men over age 50
- Solid organ transplant recipients
- Babies and children
- Youth and young adults
- People taking medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight
- People whose skin burns more easily (e.g., pale skin, prone to freckles)
Cover up
For the best sun protection, choose clothing that covers the most skin (e.g., higher collar, longer sleeves/pants). Choose darker colours and tightly woven fabrics such as Lycra.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, neck and head. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Apply sunscreen
Sunscreens absorb and/or reflect UV rays before they reach your skin. Choose a sunscreen that:
- Has UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection
- Has SPF of 30 or higher
- Has SPF 45+ if you tend to burn easily
- Is oil-free if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts
- Is waterproof (remember to reapply once out of the water)
- Contains a photo-stabilizer
- Has a long expiry date
Make sure you use enough sunscreen, rub it in for full coverage, and reapply every 2 hours.
Keep sunscreen bottles cool
Heat and light can make sunscreen break down and stop working. Don’t leave sunscreen in direct sunlight or in a car for long periods of time.
Seek shade
Find shelter from UV rays under a large tree, umbrella, or other structure. Shade is good protection but it is not enough by itself. Combine shade with covering up and applying sunscreen.
Artificial tanning
Tanning beds cause skin cancer. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to use a tanning bed in Ontario. Spray tans, tanning lotions and cosmetic bronzers are safe alternatives for most people. Learn more about why indoor tanning is unsafe from the Canadian Cancer Society.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer can be deadly. The earlier you catch it, the better your chances of stopping it. Keep an eye on your skin and any changes you might see. If you have a lot of moles, it may be good to see a dermatologist and have them mapped.
What is melanoma?
There are different kinds of skin cancers. Melanoma is a very serious form. Learn more about melanoma from the Canadian Dermatology Association.