Practicing safe sun habits

To limit your body’s exposure to the effects of allergens and chemicals in some sunscreen products, there are additional ways to limit your sun exposure:

• Stay cool outdoors. Plan to be outside when UVB rays are lower — early morning and late afternoon. They are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Cover your body. Wear hats, longsleeve shirts and pants or cover with towels at times to cut down on direct exposure. Just because you have sunscreen on does not mean you will be safe against the sun.

• Rock some shades. Sunglasses can help prevent UV radiation that triggers cataracts; look for brands and models designed to protect against UV light.

• Seek shelter. Steer clear of long periods of time under direct sunlight.

The Environmental Working Group advises consumers to avoid spray applicators — people are prone to breath in harmful toxins in the air. Sprays also unevenly distribute sunscreen on bodies.

Despite sunscreen strength, all creams rub off. Reapplying sunscreen frequently is important to prevent over-exposure to UV rays. Creams should be reapplied every two hours. But most people wait longer between applications. A survey of 661 sunscreen users by the Consumer Reports National Research Center showed that sunscreen was applied every 3.36 hours.