With plenty of long, sunny days ahead of us it's important we remember to slather on the SPF.

Alberta Health Services reccomends using sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays in order to prevent skin cancer and premature aging.

Dr. Jason Cabaj, medical officer of health with AHS, says sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure and contain a high SPF.

"The general reccomendations are for SPF 30 or greater so using an additional SPF certainly won't be harmful but the evidence suggests that SPF 30 is really the minimum that provides the most bang for your buck."

Sunscreen should be reapplied, especially after sweating and swimming.

Other methods that provide protection from the sun include wearing sunglasses, a hat, light coloured clothing, and seeking shade when possible.

Cabaj says there's no backing to the theory behind building a base tan to prevent burning.

"People sometimes think that indoor tanning can be helpful in providing a base tan but we know the evidence suggests that only provides a sun protection factor of around 2- 3, so tenfold less than the protection sunscreen provides so that's why we make that reccomendation that people really do use sunscreen."

If a sunburn is aquired, Cabaj reccomends applying aloe vera and avoiding further contact with the sun.

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