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Essential Sun Safety Tips to Protect Your Skin

  • Emily Karn
  • Jul 8
  • 3 min read
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Sun safety is crucial for preventing skin damage and lowering the risk of skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The main cause of these skin cancers is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sources like the sun and tanning beds. Learning about how to protect your skin is an important step in preventing these diseases1.

 

Learning About Sun Safety

You can educate yourself on sun protection by discussing skin health with your doctor and considering annual skin exams by a dermatologist. Each visit to your healthcare provider is an opportunity to enhance your understanding of how to better protect your skin1, 2.

 

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

The sun is the main reason behind why most people get skin cancer. When your skin gets too much sunlight, it results in damage to the cells. Here are a few reasons why someone might get skin cancer1. 

  • Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection, such as sunscreen or hats.

  • Aging, which means your skin has been exposed to more sun over the years.

  • A history of certain skin conditions (like xeroderma pigmentosum) or treatments that could make your skin more prone to cancer upon sun exposure.

 

Essential Recommendations for Sun Protection

It's recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Use about one ounce of sunscreen, roughly the size of a golf ball, to cover all skin that isn’t protected by clothing. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, particularly if you are engaging in activities that involve water or cause you to sweat1, 3.


It's critical to choose "broad spectrum" sunscreens to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage, while UVB rays mostly cause surface skin damage. Although sunscreens with a higher SPF offer more protection, remember that no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays1, 3.


Alongside sunscreen, wearing suitable clothing can greatly improve your protection from UV rays. Opt for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Clothing marked with a UV protection factor (UPF) provides the best defense for those at higher risk2, 3.

 

The Importance of Seeking Shade

Finding shade, especially during the sun’s peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., can significantly reduce your risk of UV exposure, which helps prevent sunburn and skin damage. Natural shade from trees, umbrellas, and covered structures are effective, but additional sun protection measures are advisable even when shaded4.


Risks of Tanning Beds

Be aware of the dangers of tanning beds, which are as harmful as direct sunlight. Tanning beds produce UV radiation similar to the sun and can heighten the risk of developing skin cancer and accelerate aging of the skin1.

 

The Importance of Education on Skin Protection

Studies have proven that consistent use of sunscreen can decrease the likelihood of developing melanoma by 50% to 73%5. Wearing protective clothing and seeking shade can also minimize the harmful effects of UV rays. Understanding these protective measures is crucial, especially if you are at greater risk due to your skin type or family history1, 2. 

 

Being informed helps you make better decisions about sun protection, reducing your risk of skin cancer, preventing premature aging, and avoiding other UV-related health issues. Engaging in discussions and continually educating yourself about sun safety can empower you to maintain healthy skin throughout your life.

 


References

  1. Perez M, Abisaad JA, Rojas KD, Marchetti MA, Jaimes N. Skin cancer: Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Part I. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022;87(2):255-268. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.066

  2. Brown AE, Najmi M, Duke T, Grabell DA, Koshelev MV, Nelson KC. Skin Cancer Education Interventions for Primary Care Providers: A Scoping Review. J Gen Intern Med. 2022;37(9):2267-2279. doi:10.1007/s11606-022-07501-9

  3. American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen stats and facts. AAD website. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen. Accessed [April, 2024]

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sun Safety. CDC website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm. Accessed [April, 2024].

  5. Green AC, Williams GM, Logan V, Strutton GM. Reduced melanoma after regular sunscreen use: randomized trial follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29(3):257-263. doi:10.1200/JCO.2010.28.7078

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