Sun exposure for Vitamin D is not as necessary as it used to be.
That's according to the Cleveland Clinic's list of risks of sun exposure. These days, more foods are fortified with the vitamin, so it's less necessary to use sunlight as a source for that.
That's one less excuse for people who lay out in the sun to get a tan and risk skin problems or even cancer.
How exactly do UV rays increase the chances for cancer? According to The Skin Cancer Foundation's Guide to Sunscreens, they weaken "immune surveillance mechanisms, allowing tumor cells to proliferate more freely."
As the United States moves into summertime, it is important for people to understand the risks of sun to their skin, which can burn even on a cloudy day. It's good to be outside for fresh air — and the sunshine generally lifts a person's mood — but, protecting skin no matter the weather is essential.
Here are five tips for staying safe in the sunshine.
Use sunscreen every single day
We all know it's important to wear sunscreen to block ultraviolet (UV) rays, but experts suggest putting it on every day, even in cold weather. It is recommended to wear SPF 30 or higher.
More: Some sunscreen brands not providing promised SPF (Newsy video)
Kids need more protection
Children are more likely to get a sunburn than adults, increasing their risks of getting skin cancer later in life. Make sure they're covered in clothing or lathered in sunblock.
Stay in the shade in the middle of the day
The hottest or most dangerous times to be in the sun are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. It is best to stay out of it during those times. (It's a great time to put kids down for a nap — in the shade, of course.)
Here are some products that provide shade:
• Shade sail (allows a breeze to come through)
• Safety shades for an automobile
• Shade shelter
Don't forget your eyes and ears
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV light, and when using sunscreen, cover the tips of ears — a place many forget to protect.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
Experts say you should apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before being exposed to sunlight, and to reapply every two hours.
