Summer may be winding to a close, but it’s still really important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet A & B rays! You might think the chance of getting a sunburn on cloudy days is less, but the sun’s damaging UV light can pass through clouds.

Not only are we at risk of sunburns, which are uncomfortable, other problems can occur along with sunburn, such as heatstroke or other heat related illnesses from too much sun exposure, allergic reactions to the sun, sunscreens products or certain medications, vision problems such as eye dryness and burning, decreased vision or even partial vision loss. Not to mention the possibility of long-term issues such as skin changes or skin cancer.

Did you know that you are more likely to get a sunburn between 11 a.m. in the morning and 3 p.m.? That is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Did you know that it’s easier to get sunburned at higher altitudes? That’s because there’s less of the earth’s atmosphere to block the sunlight. UV exposure increases in elevation.

Did you know that the closer you are to the equator, the more direct sunlight passes through the atmosphere?

People with lighter skin are generally prone to sunburns, but darker skinned people can also burn so it is important to always protect your skin and eyes from the sun, don’t stay in the sun too long and use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your skin whenever possible!