Protect your skin effectively from the sun
People often take trips to get more sun, but too much sun exposure is unhealthy. Adequate protection can help you avoid problems, from painful sunburns to skin cancer.
Basic Tips to Follow
- Spend as much time in the shade as possible, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear a wide-brim hat or cap, as well as sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
- When you are in the sun, wear light-coloured, tightly-woven, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (protection against both UVA and UVB) with a minimum SPF 30.
- Certain medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight or may make you more sensitive to heat. Ask your pharmacist to review whether any of your medications might have these effects.
Bear in mind that the sun's rays can reach you directly, but also reflect off water, sand, concrete and snow! Clouds filter very little sunlight, and water filters none. Protect yourself whenever you are outdoors, even when the sky is overcast or when you go swimming.
When Applying Sunscreen, Make Sure to:
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going in the sun. Sunscreen needs to penetrate your skin to be effective.
- Apply it generously to all parts of the body, particularly the hands, neck, bald areas of the head and ears, which we tend to forget. To get full effect of the SPF, use approximately 30 ml (2 tablespoons) to cover entire body.
- To protect your lips from sunburn, use a lip balm that has SPF.
- Repeat the application:
- Every 2 hours
- After swimming
- After sweating profusely (during physical exercise, for instance)
- If also applying insect repellent, apply sunscreen 20 minutes before applying the insect repellent.
Special Considerations
| Babies under 6 months |
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight at all times. Use physical sun protection methods (clothing, hats or shade).
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| Children over 6 months and adults |
Use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Avoid alcohol-based products.
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| Acne-sufferers |
Use products labelled as oil-free, non-comedogenic or hypoallergenic.
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If you are fair-skinned with red or blond hair If you take medication that increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun If you are pregnant
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Use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. |
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If you have a skin disease (psoriasis or cancer) or ever had skin cancer or an allergic reaction to the sun
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Use a sunscreen with SPF 60.
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If you have questions about how to protect your skin from the sun, consult your pharmacist. He or she will provide you with a recommendation adapted to your skin type and any health considerations, so you can fully enjoy your time outdoors.
Discover other tips about travel health
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The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.