How to Stay Safer in the Sun

Plan the Timing of Your Activities

The sun is the strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. regardless of cloud coverage. Plan activities in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the sunniest and hottest parts of the day. Additionally, limit time outside and take breaks by going indoors to cool down. Drinking water, using a cold compress or resting can all help bring down your temperature.

Choose Loose Fitting and Comfortable Clothing

Cover exposed areas of skin with clothing. Wearing long sleeves when it is hot outside can be hard, so choose loose fitting comfortable clothes.

• Pick a wide-brimmed hat or visor that shades the face, ears and neck.
• Wear sunglasses that protect against 99-100% of UV rays.
• Look for lip balms with SPF 30+
• Clothing made of sun protective, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) fabric is available. Look for the Skin Cancer Foundations seal on the tag.

Seek Shade or Bring Your Own

When studying outside or having afternoon lunch with a friend, sit under a tree or overhang. Any physical structure that helps shelter from direct sunlight is optimal. Use an umbrella when walking to class to protect the top of your head. Concrete can also reflect sunlight even when it’s in the shade, so be sure to use other strategies in combination to be safer.

Stay Hydrated

Drink all the water. The intensity of the Texas sun lends itself to hotter outdoor temperatures. Grab a refillable water bottle and fill it up before you leave your home or at a water fountain on campus.

Check the UV Index

Before heading out, check the UV index by using a weather app or forecasting website. Even on a day when the UV index is low (<2) it is recommended to take sun safe precautions like wearing sunglasses and an SPF of at least 30 and avoiding bright surfaces.

Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen can be one of our best defenses against the strong Texas sun and other sources of UV radiation.

1. Check the Label - Choose sunscreen that has a minimum of SPF 15 when indoors and SPF 30 when outdoors. Ensure that it is water-resistant and offers broad spectrum coverage.
   Sunscreen can expire. If the sunscreen is expired the ingredients in the product will not be as effective. Sunscreen is designed to remain at its original strength for 3 years.
2. Timing - Ideally, aim to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors. However, if already outside apply as soon as possible.
3. Amount - Apply an even coat of sunscreen to any portion of the skin not covered by clothes. Make sure to apply enough - most adults need about 30 mL of sunscreen to have full coverage. Make sure you pay attention to applying behind the ears, inside of arms, the tops of the feet and under the chin.
4. Ask for Help - Ask a friend to help apply sunscreen for those hard-to-reach areas such as the back.
5. Apply More Sunscreen - Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Visit the UT Sunscreen Dispensers
The sunscreen dispensers support a healthier campus environment by providing access to free sunscreen year-round. Check out our sunscreen dispensers at the Gregory Gymnasium Aquatics complex. The dispensers contain water-resistant SPF 30 sunscreen and have a ‘how to apply guide’ attached.