Sun Safety

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It is nearly impossible to avoid the sun in south Mississippi but there are ways you can protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Explore the tips below to learn what steps you can take to limit your exposure to UV rays that can cause sunburn, cancer, and early skin aging.

Shade

Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are the strongest
Use caution around water, snow, and sand as these surfaces can reflect damaging rays

Apparel

Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and a hat that covers the neck and ears
Certain colors and clothing materials block UV rays better than others
- Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) - how much UVA and UVB rays a fabric allows to reach your skin; the higher the UPF rating, the more protective the clothing
- Sun-Protective Clothing

Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes and the tender skin around your eyes from UV rays during sun exposure.

Sunscreen

Use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Sunscreen can expire - most are good for 2-3 years unless stated otherwise; long-term exposure to heat can decrease the effectiveness

Avoid tanning beds!