To protect yourself and your family against long-term sun damage, the following steps should be taken:

Avoid prolonged sun exposure during the most sun-intensive hours, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Use sunscreen as a moisturizer.

Make sunscreen part of your family’s daily routine.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends people use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 15. Because people rarely apply enough sunscreen to get the entire protection implied by the SPF, we recommends using sunscreen with SPF 30.

Use broad-spectrum sunscreens that contain Parsol 1789, Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, in combination with the other ingredients. Doing so protects your family from both UVA and UVB rays.

Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun whenever possible. Sunburn on a small infant can be a medical emergency.

Wear sunglasses. Prolonged exposure to the sun is associated with cataracts.

Wear hats and other protective clothing that is tightly woven, giving protection equivalent to SPF 45. For examples of this type of clothing, go visit Sun Precautions.

Make sure kids wear sunscreen whenever they are outdoors.

Don’t skimp. People typically don’t apply enough sunscreen. Use a good amount and reapply as needed. If you go swimming, put more on immediately after you get out of the water.