NC — The days are longer and the temperatures are higher—and for many Canadians, the days of fun in the sun are in full swing! But for pharmacists across the country, it marks the beginning of summer skin care awareness.

Rexall and Rexall Pharma Plus, along with its partner, the Air Miles Reward Program, want to help Canadians stay sun safe this summer.

“Our research shows that while the majority (84%) of Canadians check their skin for signs of sun damage, unfortunately this most often occurs during the summer months or when they get a sunburn,” says Tracey Phillips, Rexall Pharmacist. “It's important for Canadians to be aware of the effects of unprotected skin and over-exposure to the sun all year round. Each time you expose your skin to the sun without protection you significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer.”

To beat the heat and avoid skin damage this summer, Phillips suggests the following tips:

 Limit sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

 Seek shade. If there is no shade, create your own with an umbrella.

 Wear a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your arms and legs.

 Wear sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection.

 Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Look for a broad-spectrum product that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a higher SPF if you will be spending longer periods of time outdoors, if you have fair skin, or if your doctor recommends it.

Pregnant women and women taking oral contraceptives may be at risk for darker pigmentation on the cheeks and forehead (“pregnancy mask”), and should use a sunscreen with SPF 30 that has both UVA and UVB protection.

 Certain medications such as some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics, can also increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays—check with your pharmacist to ensure your medications won't cause a reaction.

 Check the UV index daily and take appropriate precautions—on days that the UV is very high, try and stay in the shade or indoors.

This summer, drop in to your local Rexall and Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacy during the Sun Awareness Days to have your photo taken with a special UV camera that detects areas of possible skin damage on the face. Download the Air Miles mobile application at the iTunes App Store or Blackberry Appworld and to find the closest Rexall location in your neighbourhood and learn about in-store and bonus offers related to summer sun care products.