As summer heats up and Canadians spend more time outdoors, following a few simple steps means staying safe while enjoying your favourite outdoor activities!

Practicing sun safety is essential to reduce your chances of sun-related cancers, heat illness, burns, premature aging, and dehydration. Learn how to safely enjoy the sunshine in every season, at any age.

Here are the safety guidelines you need to stay safe in the sun year-round!

1. Develop Sun-Safe Habits


Developing sun-safe habits will ensure you’re always protected from ultraviolet (UV) rays when you’re out and about.Get in the habit of checking the Ultraviolet Index (UV Index) daily. If it’s over 3, limit your time in the sun and wear your sunscreen!

  • Cover up! Long sleeves, pants, and brimmed hats protect your skin—preferably clothing with UPF (UV protection factor) labelling.
  • Wear wraparound UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest
  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas at least 30 minutes before going outside and don’t forget to use lip balm with at least SPF 15.
  • Always buy SPF 30+ sunscreen, as recommended by the Canadian Dermatology Association.
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, more often if you are swimming or sweating.
  • Find shade with cover like trees, awnings, and covered pavilions, even if it’s cloudy. Sun umbrellas are a great and portable choice!

2. Wear the Right Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects exposed skin from harmful UV rays. Areas not covered by clothing or a hat need sunscreen to prevent UV rays from penetrating your skin. Here’s a look at the different types of sunscreens, when to use them, and who they’re best for.

Types of Sunscreen

Most sunscreens are broad spectrum, meaning they protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays. If you’re going to be swimming or sweating, look for water-resistant or sport sunscreens (you’ll still need to reapply after getting wet).

There are 3 general types of sunscreen to choose from:

  • Mineral sunscreen creates a barrier on the skin with minerals that block UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most common ingredients. These products feature an 8-digit natural product number (NPN) on the label. Mineral sunscreen works well for sensitive skin but may leave a white cast on the skin after use. These products may be labelled “reef safe.”
  • Chemical sunscreen is formulated with chemicals that convert UV radiation into heat that is released from the skin. Oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene are examples of active ingredients in chemical sunscreen. Products containing them have an 8-digit drug identification number (DIN) on the label.
  • Combination or hybrid sunscreen contains both mineral and chemical UV filters. These products have an 8-digit DIN on the label since they contain chemical ingredients classified as drug ingredients by Health Canada.

Choose sunscreen with the Canadian Dermatology Association’s Recognized Sun Protection logo (here’s a list). These offer SPF 30+, minimal or no perfume, and are non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) formulas for sensitive skin.

Did you know? The Save Your Skin Foundation is providing 40 free public sunscreen dispensers across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec.

3. Follow Safe Sun Guidelines for Children

Children tend to spend even more time in the sun than adults. Keep children safe in the sunshine by following these guidelines.

Properly Outfit Children Outside

Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats can help protect your little ones from dangerous sun rays. Tightly woven or knitted fabrics do a better job of protecting the skin. The best protection options are garments labelled with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 50+. Sunglasses are available for children–even infants. Choose wraparound or close-fitting styles with 100% UV protection.

Find Shade Outdoors

Awnings, trees, stroller sunshades, umbrellas, and covered patios are all excellent ways to help children stay out of direct sunlight, reduce chances of sunstroke, and prevent dehydration. Limit exposure or keep your child indoors during the sun’s strongest hours (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) and on days when the UV Index is 3 or higher.

Sunscreen For Kids - Follow Your Paediatrician’s Recommendations

Your doctor is the best source of information on the best type and amount of sunscreen for kids. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends SPF 30+sunscreen for children ages 6 months and up. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies younger than 6 months. Do a patch test on a small area of skin first. If you see a rash, burn, itching, or redness, discontinue use and consult your child’s physician.

Apply Sunscreen Properly

Apply about 1 teaspoon of sunscreen with SPF 30+ (higher is better) to each part of the body that will be exposed to the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen to ears, feet, and areas at the edges of clothing or swimwear for full protection. Apply at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.

Reapply more often if your child gets wet. Have children change out of wet clothing or swimwear quickly—the Canadian Cancer Society notes that wet clothing loses up to half its UV protection.

4. Protect Yourself Year-Round

Between April and September, Canada’s UV Index can be 3+ between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The warmest days of the year make it even more important to protect your skin with clothing, sunscreen, and shade, but spring and summer aren’t the only seasons that call for sun protection.

Snow reflects up to 88% of UV1 rays and increases UV exposure. Anytime you're in the sun year-round—travelling in a car, outside, or hanging out in front of windows for extended periods—use sunscreen, cover up with protective clothing and wear wraparound or close-fitting sunglasses.

Follow Sun Safety Guidelines

Developing sun safety habits, choosing (and using!) the right sunscreen, following sun safety guidelines for children, and protecting yourself year-round means you can enjoy the sun without harming your skin. When you follow these protection guidelines, you can have fun in the sun without worry!