UVA. UVB. SPF. OMG!

Between band camp, practices, football games, parades, and competitions, marching band students, directors and even spectators spend countless hours in the sun. Knowing how to protect your skin can help you stay healthy. Learn simple tips for a sun-safe season from our sun safety partner, Outrun the Sun.

Whether you’re a marching band student, band director, parent, or devoted fan in the stands, chances are you’ll spend plenty of time outdoors during band season. From band camp and daily rehearsals to football games, parades, and competitions, those long hours in the sun can add up—and so can your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. And with skin cancer being the most common cancer in the United States, protecting your skin today is one of the smartest things you can do for your future, no matter your age.

The good news? A few simple habits can make a big difference. Follow these sun safety tips to help protect your skin all season long.

Protect Your Skin

  • Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Know your sunscreen. Mineral (physical) sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays. Chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin, so apply it 15–20 minutes before going outdoors.
  • Reapply often. Reapply sunscreen at least every 90 minutes—or more frequently if you’re sweating heavily. Be sure to check the expiration date, as expired sunscreen may not provide adequate protection.
  • Cover every exposed area. Don’t forget often-missed spots like your ears, neck, scalp (if exposed), the backs of your hands, and the tops of your feet.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing. If you don’t like wearing sunscreen—or if you’re allergic to it—choose clothing with a built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses all provide additional protection.
  • Seek shade whenever possible. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (and in some locations, until 4:00 p.m., depending on weather conditions). Take breaks in the shade whenever you can.

Want more sun safety tips? Visit outrunthesun.org to learn more from our sun safety partner, Outrun the Sun, and keep your skin protected all season long.