Summer is heating up, which is why it’s important to brush up on your sun safety tips. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system. The best means of protecting yourself against the damaging effects of the sun is by limiting exposure.

To help prevent skin cancer, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher every day. It’s important to look for broad spectrum on the label, as some sunscreens do not protect you against the three different types of UV rays.

When selecting a sunscreen that is right for you, look for the following dos and don’ts:

• DO look for the word broad-spectrum, which protects against multiple UV rays
• DO look for words like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• DO avoid fragrance, which could contain phthalates,  or chemicals
• DON’T buy a sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, a hormone-disrupting sunscreen filter
• DON’T buy a sunscreen that has the words retinyl palmitate or vitamin A, which are linked to skin damage

Sunscreen isn’t the only way to arm yourself against the sun. Accessories aren’t just a fashion statement- they’re essential! Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation. It’s especially important for children to wear them, since their eyes are immature and more likely to develop UV-related sun damage. Cover exposed skin with a cover-up or a wide brimmed hat while outdoors. When in doubt, seek shade, especially when the sun is at its peak between the hours of 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.