Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure. If you or your child’s skin looks “a little pink” today, it may be burned tomorrow morning. To prevent further burning, get out of the sun.
Any change in the color of your skin after time outside – whether sunburn or suntan – indicates damage from UV rays. There’s no other way to say it: tanned skin is damaged skin.
Find out your UV IQ by taking this interactive quiz to find out how much you know about protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays.
Source: Federal Occupational Health & CDC