The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has shared guidance on summer tanning, highlighting the potential risks of sun exposure and tanning beds and the importance of protecting the skin and eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

According to MoPH, tanning from sun exposure or tanning beds may cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. The guidance also notes that the body can produce vitamin D through sun exposure, recommending exposure of the face, arms, or legs to the sun for 5–10 minutes, two to three times per week, before 10:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m.

MoPH also recommends wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV rays and the delicate skin around the eyes from sun damage. Sunglasses should offer 100% UV protection or absorb up to 400 nm of UV rays.

For additional protection, MoPH advises using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied generously 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours when outdoors, as well as after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.