1. Learn To Be
SunWise!

2. Sun Exposure

3. When do I need to protect myself from sun exposure?
At all times not just in the summer
Sun’s UV rays hit the earth all year
Late Spring & Early Summer the worst
9:00 am to 3:00 pm prime UV exposure
UV rays are not stopped by clouds

4. Ultraviolet (UV) Rays

5. What exactly are "ultraviolet rays" ?
part of sunlight / invisible radiation
3 types: UVA, UVB, UVC
UVA most abundant at earths surface
penetrates beyond top layer of skin
can damage connective tissue
UVB most absorbed in ozone layer
penetrates less than UVA
least damaging to cells
UVC all absorbed in stratosphere
most dangerous to skin

6. How can I protect myself from the sun's UV rays?
avoid outdoor activities prime time (9-3)
Wear protective clothing
wide brimmed hat
long-sleeved shirt
long pants
Use other protective gear
wrap-around, 100% UV protected
sunscreen at least SPF 15
beware of expiration dates
high heat can shorten shelf life

7. What can excessive exposure to UV rays do to my health?
biggest environmental factor in
developing skin or lip cancer
premature aging, change in skin texture
also associated with eye issues
such as cataracts

8. What is the UV Index? forecast of exposure risk
can help you determine amount of
protection you need
scale with 0 being no risk
and 10+ being severe risk

9. UV Index

10. Tanning and Burning

11. Not everyone burns or tans in the same manner
Not everyone burns or tans in the same manner. Are there ways to classify different skin types?
Whether individuals burn or tan depends on a number of factors, including their skin type, the time of year, and the amount of sun exposure they have received recently.

12. Skin Types I II III IV V VI Skin Type Tanning and Sunburning History
Always burns, never tans, sensitive to sun exposure II
Burns easily, tans minimally
III
Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown IV
Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown V
Rarely burns, tans profusely to dark VI
Never burns, deeply pigmented, least sensitive

13. Why does the skin tan when exposed to the sun?
UV rays cause production of melanin
melanin comes to surface as a tan
this tan represents damaged skin

14. Rub It On

15. Does it matter what kind of sunscreen I use?
not as long as it blocks UVA & UVB
and has a minimum SPF 15 rating
many types available: spray, gel, oil, etc.
some specialize: dry skin, nose, lips, etc.

16. What does a sunscreen's SPF rating mean?
Sun Protection Factor
effectiveness in offering protection
from UV radiation
higher the number, more protection
should always use at least SPF 15

17. How do sunscreens work? most absorb, reflect or scatter UV rays
using a chemical that interacts with
the skin to protect it from UV
prevent problems from sun exposure
like skin cancer & premature aging

18. Do sunscreens need to be reapplied during the course of a day?
at very least follow directions on package
some protect when sweating or in water,
probably should reapply often anyway
probably should reapply fairly often
during peak hours of sun

19. Can cosmetics protect you from UV rays?
some claim to be able to
be sure they are at least SPF 15
to be safe

20. Cover Up

21. What kinds of clothing best protect my skin from UV rays?
loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts/pants
tightly woven material
wet shirt not as good as dry one

22. Does protective clothing have to be a certain color?
any color is ok
dark colors offer a little more protection

23. Wear a Hat!

24. Will a hat help protect my skin? What styles work best?
can help shield skin from UV rays
choose one to shade all of head & neck
a wide brim all the way around that
shades completely your face, ears and
back of neck is best
if you choose a baseball cap supplement
with sunscreen for best protection

25. Does the color or material of the hat matter?
color is not that important but darker
colors are slightly better
tightly woven materials are best
straw hats with large holes do not
offer much protection

26. Grab Shades!

27. Are sunglasses an important for sun protection?
YES!
protect eyes from UV rays
help protect against cataracts
protect tender skin around eyes

28. What type of shades protect my eyes from UV rays best?
ones that protect from UVA & UVB
most sold in US do this
wrap-around glasses are best
they block UV rays from sides

29. Seek Shade

30. Are there particular times I should try to stay in the shade?
The sun’s rays are strongest between
10 am and 4 pm. To protect yourself during
these peak times you should seek shelter
from an umbrella, tree, or other shelter.

31. If I stay in the shade, should I still use sunscreen?
UV rays bounce off of everything
to be safe wear sunscreen
even in the shade

32. BE SUNWISE!