Methods to use for the most complete sun protection

Though it offers some protection, no sunscreen blocks out all of the UVB rays. Therefore, sunscreen shouldn't replace other protective measures, such as limiting the time you spend in the sun and covering your skin. For the most complete sun protection, use these methods:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Because the sun's rays are strongest during these hours, try to schedule outdoor activities for other times of the day.  
• Seek shade whenever possible. If you're unable to avoid being in the sun, limit the amount of time you're outdoors during peak hours. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Cover up. Wear long sleeved shirt, pants and a wide-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than does a baseball cap or golf visor. Also, consider wearing clothing or outdoor gear specially designed to provide sun protection.  
• Wear UV light blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight. 
• Get vitamins D safely though a healthy diet. Don’t seek the sun.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the    sun, which can increase your chance to get sunburn.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunbathing. UV light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tanned, consider using a sunless self-tanning product or bronzer, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
• Check your skin. If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.