It's summer time and the sun is shining brightly down upon us, but along with the sun's warmth and light comes its damaging UV rays.

Vice President of Medical Services for Southern Health Santé Sud, Dr. Denis Fortier, says the UV rays are at their strongest between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon.

"Probably best during those peak times to get some shade or wear some protective clothing or something just to not be exposed to the UV rays and, if you can, try to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun during that time."

However, Fortier notes the amount of time an individual can spend in the sun can vary depending on their skin type. He explains those with fair skin, who rarely tan, are at a higher risk of developing a sun injury than someone with darker skin because their skin does not contain enough melanin to absorb the UV rays. He adds young children also need extra protection from the sun, regardless of their skin-tone, as their bodies are still developing.

He shares some tips on sunscreen.

"In general the SPF number, so SPF 10 or 15 or 30, basically more or less tells you that you can stay in the sun for that much longer. So 15 times longer or 30 times longer and so really, once you get to SPF 15 and above, it probably is just incrementally better."

Fortier notes the important thing with any sunscreen is to apply it liberally and re-apply it often as sweating and swimming can cause the sunscreen to come off.