Summer! We love it. The beach, ocean, sand, sun, pools,, BBQs, vacations. However, we need to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays.

According to www.cancer.org,there are two main types of UV rays that can affect your skin: UVA rays and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the skin's thickest layer. UVB rays will usually burn the superficial layers of your skin. Unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to premature aging and wrinkling (photo-aging) in as little as 15 minutes. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage skin and potentially cause skin cancer.

The below are 5 simple things you can do for a sun safe summer.

Sunscreen: Liberally apply abroad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays that is at least SPF 30. Don’t forget to apply to the easy to miss spots such as ears, tops of feet and hands, and lips. Make sure that the sunscreen is not expired or it will lose its effectiveness. Sunscreens that contain the minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide additional UVA and UVB protection.

Check out EWG 2019 Guide to Sunscreens.

Sunglasses: They are not just a fashion statement.Good sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation that can damage your eyesight. Try to buy sunglasses that have at least 99-100% UV protection.

Shade: Find the shady spot. Bring an umbrella to the beach. Some beach chairs even have a top that provides shade.

Clothing: Wear a hat or visor to protect your scalp and face. Rash guards can protect you while you swim in the pool or ocean. Wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays.Certain brands of clothing have sun protection built in it and are also great for tennis players, golfers. and runners.

Limit Sun Exposure: Try to avoid the sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Also look at theUV Index. The UV index is a scale from 1-11 that is used to help you avoid harmful exposure to UV radiation. An 8 or above is considered Very High.

Stay safe in the sun—and still have fun!