Skin Safety

Avoid exposure to the midday sun (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. standard time or 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daylight saving time).

Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 30 or more when exposed to the sun. The lighter your skin, the higher the SPF number should be. Use a “broad spectrum” sunscreen which blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. Use about 2 tablespoons to adequately cover all exposed body parts.

Reapply sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes, even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.

Along with sunscreen, use moisturizers, makeup, lip balm, etc., that contain sunscreen. Use water-based or nongreasy ones if you have acne.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves.

Wear clothing with sunscreen protection or muted colors, such as tan. Bright colors and white reflect the sun onto the face.

Wear sunglasses that absorb at least 90% of both UVA and UVB rays.

You may already have one or more tattoos and/or area(s) of your body pierced. You may be thinking about getting one of these procedures done as a way to fit in and look like others; as a way to express your individuality; and/or to get noticed. Before you get a tattoo or a part of your body pierced, consider the following:

In many states, the law does not allow minors to get tattoos. Find out about this in your state.

Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit serious infectious diseases, such as tetanus, hepatitis B, and HIV. For this reason, you should never do one of these procedures on yourself or have anyone else do it that is not a reputable piercer. Look for someone who is certified by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) or the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT). Certified members are trained in strict safety and health requirements. Because of the high risk of infection, you cannot donate blood for one year after getting a tattoo.

Tattoos and body piercings also carry the risk of less serious local infections. You will need to follow proper care procedures for weeks to months after the procedure to reduce the risk of getting an infection. You may also get large growths of scar tissues called keloids.

Tattoos are not easily removed and in some cases may cause permanent discoloration. Keep a record of the dyes used in the tattoo you get. This includes the lot number of each pigment. If you choose to get a tattoo removed in the future, this information will be helpful. Think carefully before getting a tattoo and consider the possibility of an allergic reaction. Know that it is expensive, too, to get a tattoo removed. Don't get a tattoo or body piercing done on an impulse. Wait at least 24 hours. In the meantime, read about the things to consider in this topic and see "For Information, Contact" places on this page. Also, ask your friends who have tattoos and/or body piercings about their experiences. Find out about the pain involved, the healing time, the cost, etc.

Visit several tattoo parlors to see whether the tattooist follows recommended safety guidelines and sterilization techniques, such as using a heat sterilization machine regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the APT guidelines, these practices should be followed:

For body piercing, to avoid allergic reactions and infections, jewelry made from non-corrosive, non-toxic metals should be used. Examples are solid 14K gold (not gold-plated), niobium, surgical stainless steel, and titanium.

After the procedure, follow the skin care guidelines provided by your skin piercer or tattooist. Care of the site will depend on its location and/or the procedure you had done.