With plenty of long, sunny days ahead of us it's important we remember to slather on the SPF.

To prevent skin cancer and premature aging, Alberta Health Services recommends using sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Dr. Jason Cabaj, medical officer of health with AHS, says sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and contain a high SPF and that SPF 30 is the minumum protection you should use.

"The general recommendations are for SPF 30 or greater so using an additional SPF certainly won't be harmful, but the evidence suggests that SPF 30 is really the minimum that provides the most bang for your buck."

Sunscreen should be reapplied after sweating and swimming.

Cabaj also says, there's no backing to the theory behind building a base tan to prevent burning and sunscreen is the only thing that creates real protection against the sun rays.

"People sometimes think that indoor tanning can be helpful in providing a base tan but we know the evidence suggests that only provides a sun protection factor of around 2-3, so tenfold less than the protection sunscreen provides so that's why we make that reccomendation that people really do use sunscreen."

If you get a sunburn Cabaj recommends applying Aloe Vera and avoiding further contact with the sun.

Other methods that provide sun protection include: wearing sunglasses, a brimmed hat, light coloured clothing, and seeking shade when possible.

 

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