Sunscreen is arguably one of the simplest methods to prevent millions of cancer cases each year. However, the majority of us still neglect to apply sunscreen. In reality, according to a recent survey, just 14% of American men and 30% of American women apply sunscreen to their faces and other exposed areas before spending more than an hour outside.

So, what do you need to know about sun protection for your skin? Here are ten suggestions to consider as the summer winds down.

How to Keep Your Skin Safe in the Sun

1. Even if it's gloomy, use sunscreen every day.
2. 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, apply at least one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass). Use a sunscreen-containing lip balm or lipstick with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
3. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields you from both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure it's waterproof and has an SPF of at least 30. Other sunscreens may help prevent sunburn, but they will not protect you against skin cancer.
4. Every two hours, reapply sunscreen. If you're swimming or sweating, reapply every hour.
5. Water and sand should be avoided at all costs. These surfaces reflect the sun's harmful rays, increasing your chances of developing a sunburn.
6. Keep babies under the age of six months covered and in the shade.
7. Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., limit your time in the sun. The sun's beams are at their strongest at this time. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are fiercest, and you should seek shelter.
8. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants if feasible. Dark, densely woven clothing blocks more sunlight than white or loosely woven garments. Look for clothing made of specific sun-protective fabrics for added protection.
9. Wear a hat that protects your face, neck, and ears, as well as sunglasses. Sunglasses with UV protection of 99 percent to 100 percent give the best protection for the eyes and surrounding skin.
10. If you're taking medicine that makes you more sensitive to the sun, be even more cautious. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medicines, and chemotherapies are among them.

Other sun safety suggestions

Avoid excessive sun exposure. Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, the sun's rays are at their strongest. Use the shadow rule: if your shadow is less than your height, you should seek shade. Keep kids less than 6 months covered and in the shade at all times.

Keep an eye on the UV index. This numerical scale indicates how harmful sun exposure will be on any given day. It is frequently mentioned in weather reports. People should strive to stay indoors when the index is 10 or above.

Be cautious while near reflecting surfaces. Water, snow, and sand reflect the sun's harmful rays, increasing your chances of being burnt.

Wear eye protection and sunglasses. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat to protect your face, neck, and ears from the sun. Dark, densely woven clothing blocks more sunlight than white or loosely woven garments. Look for garments made of specific sun-protective fabrics for added protection. Make sure your sunglasses block off 99 to 100 percent UV light.

Be careful of the negative effects of your medications. Some drugs might make you more sun-sensitive. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure drugs, and several forms of chemotherapy are among them.

Avoid sunbathing for pleasure. Also, avoid tanning beds, sunlamps, and tanning clinics.