Prevention

Use these methods to prevent sunburn, even on cool, cloudy or hazy days. And be extra careful around water, snow and sand because they reflect the sun's rays. In addition, UV light is more intense at high altitudes.

• Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun's rays are strongest during these hours, so try to schedule outdoor activities for other times. If you can't do that, limit the time you're in the sun. Seek shade when possible.
• Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds. Getting a base tan doesn't decrease your risk of sunburn.
• Cover up. When outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers you, including your arms and legs. Dark colors offer more protection, as do tightly woven fabrics. Consider using outdoor gear specially designed to provide sun protection. Check the label for its ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which indicates how well a fabric blocks sunlight. The higher the UPF number, the better.

• Use sunscreen frequently and generously. Apply water-resistant sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 30 or greater and broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

  About 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, apply sunscreen generously on skin that won't be protected by clothing. Put on more sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. If you're also using insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first. The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend products that combine an insect repellent with a sunscreen.

  The Food and Drug Administration requires all sunscreen to retain its original strength for at least three years. Check the sunscreen labels for directions on storing and expiration dates. Throw away sunscreen if it's expired or more than three years old.

• Protect babies and toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using other forms of sun protection, such as shade or clothing, for babies under 6 months. When that's not possible, apply sunscreen with at least 15 SPF to the face and back of the hands. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends not using sunscreen on children under 6 months. Keep them cool, hydrated and out of direct sunlight.

  If sun protective clothing and shade aren't available, consider using sunscreen on babies and toddlers. Use products that contain physical blockers (titanium oxide, zinc oxide), as they may cause less skin irritation.

• Wear sunglasses when outdoors. Choose sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Check the UV rating on the label when buying new glasses. Darker lenses are not necessarily better at blocking UV rays. It also helps to wear sunglasses that fit close to your face or have wraparound frames.
• Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications. Some common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including antibiotics, retinoids and ibuprofen, can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about the side effects of medications you take.