The American Cancer Society recommends avoiding direct exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and following the Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap rules.  

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• Protect the skin by slipping on protective clothing. 

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• Slop on the sunscreen and lip balm.  Sunscreens with the ingredients oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate are safe and effective when used as directed.  Consumers should look for The SCF’s Seal of Recommendation on sun protection products.  Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating.  Applying sunscreen should not be used as a rationale for staying out longer in the sun because it does not protect from all UV rays.

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• Slap refers to putting on a hat, particularly one that offers coverage of the ears, face and neck.  

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• Wrap on sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes and surrounding skin. 

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