How can I protect myself from too much sun exposure? 

It’s easy! Here are the top 10 tips to avoid sun exposure and help keep you and your family protected.

#1 Make SPF your BFF

Apply sunscreen to your face and body every day, regardless of the time of year, even if it’s cloudy. 

It may sound silly, but apply indoors too, as UV rays pass through windows. And don’t forget your hands, especially when you’re driving.

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#2 Apply Enough

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends to using 2 tablespoons (equivalent of a shot glass full) for your face and body. 

Wondering how much to apply just to your face? 
Just enough to fill the bottom of a shot glass, or easier, use the 2-finger rule: apply a strip of sunscreen from base to tip on your pointer and middle fingers.

Apply at least 15-20 minutes before exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours if sweating or swimming.

Don’t want to wait after application
Choose a natural mineral sunscreen such as Avon Sun Protection+ that offers immediate protection with no extra time needed for absorption

#3 Choose the Right Suncare Product

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen the protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

We love Isa Knox Anew Solaire Active Face & Body Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

Or if you want a mineral sunscreen that is also water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, try Avon Sun Protection+ Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 40.

#4 Make it a Family Event

Everyone should be using SPF. The only exception? Babies 6 months old and younger, who should be completely covered and in the shade. Check with your doctor or medical care provider with questions.

#5 Watch out for Reflections

Be extra careful around water, sand and even snow. These surfaces reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of getting a sunburn.

#6 Timing is Everything

The sun’s rays are most intense (even when it’s cloudy) from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Seek shade during peak times and practice the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest and it’s time to find shade!

#7 Clothing, Not Optional

Wear UV-protective clothing. A lot of companies offer clothing that is lightweight, breathable and protects against harmful UV rays. However, this doesn’t give you a pass to forgo sunscreen!

Dark clothing with tightly woven fabric blocks more than white or loosely woven fabrics, and if you’re outdoors working, try to wear a long-sleeve shirt and pants.

#8 Accessories are More than a Statement

Look fabulous and stay protected. Find a hat that shades your face, ears and neck. And don’t forget your eyes need protection, too! Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are readily available at all price points.

Bonus Benefit: Sunglasses help prevent squinting in bright light so you’ll develop fewer little lines and wrinkles around the eyes

#9 Take Skin Care and Medications into Account

Retinols can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, and besides, sunlight decreases the efficacy of the product. For this reason, we recommend using a retinol at night and be diligent about applying your broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning for protection during the day.

For a natural alternative to retinol without the photo-sensitivity, try a product with Bakuchiol. We love Farm Rx Bakuchiol Serum, Cream and Eye Cream.

If you’re taking medications, check to be sure they don’t make you more sensitive to the sun.

#10 Say NO to Tanning Beds

Tanning indoors isn’t safe, and raises the risk of all kinds of skin cancer. 
Using indoor tanning beds can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. (1, 2)

1 The International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group on artificial ultraviolet (UV) light and skin cancer “The association of use of sunbeds with cutaneous malignant melanoma and other skin cancers: A systematic review.” International Journal of Cancer. 2007 March 1;120:111-1122.

2 Boniol M, Autier P, Boyle P, Gandini S. Corrections: Cutaneous melanoma attributable to sunbed use: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2012;345:e8503.

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Last Updated on April 18, 2023 by avonladychris