Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D.external icon You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.
Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).
The UV Indexexternal icon forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun.
How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Shade
You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside—even when you’re in the shade.
Clothing
When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection from UV rays. If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing is certified under international standards as offering UV protection.
Hat
For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.
If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen, or staying in the shade.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. Put on sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going out in the sun. The letters SPF stand for sun protection factor, and the number rating tells you how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting sunburned.
How do you stay safe in the sun?
Sun safety tips
- spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
- make sure you never burn.
- cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses.
- take extra care with children.
- use at least factor 30 sunscreen.
How can we protect ourselves from the sun for kids?
Here are the key ways to protect kids’ skin:
- Use Sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Avoid the Strongest Rays of the Day.
- Cover Up.
- Wear Sunglasses.
- Double-Check Medicines.
What time of day is safest to be in the sun?
Take these steps to stay sun-safe: Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Cover up: When you are out, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible.
When should you avoid the sun?
Avoid sun in the middle of the day, from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ultraviolet rays, which cause sunburn, are strongest during this time. Wear protective clothing. When you do go outdoors, especially for long periods in the middle of the day.
Why is the sun bad for you?
Everybody needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D (which helps calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones). But unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system. It can also cause cancer.
What are the home remedies for sun protection?
11 home remedies to protect your skin in summer
- For removing sun tan, scrub your face with this pack.
- To give glowing effect to tired skin, milk mask plays the trick.
- Apply buttermilk after a lot of sun exposure.
- Neem leaves are also a great ingredient.
- Fresh Aloe Vera gel.
- Watermelon juice.
- Papaya pulp.
- Fruits face pack.
Which is the correct form of the word reminded?
(rɪmaɪnd ) Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense reminds , present participle reminding , past tense, past participle reminded. 1. verb. If someone reminds you of a fact or event that you already know about, they say something which makes you think about it.
What does it mean when someone reminds you of something?
If someone reminds you of a fact or event that you already know about, they say something which makes you think about it. So she simply welcomed him and reminded him of the last time they had met. [VERB noun + of] I had to remind myself that being confident is not the same as being perfect!
What does remind you of something you said nine years ago mean?
Let me remind you of something you said nine years ago. It is the only thing that reminds the people at home that the war is still continuing. Everything about the staging reminds us that the central motif is artifice. It means you like something new because it reminds you of something familiar.
What does the Latin phrase Nature is not saddened mean?
“Natura non constristatur,” which means, “Nature is not saddened,” is the perfect phrase to remind yourself or others just how unconcerned with human affairs Mother Nature truly is. 8. “Ad meliora.” Today may not be going the way you want, but you can always boost your spirits by uttering “ad meliora,” or, “Toward better things.” 9.
Staying out of the sun is the best way to avoid sun damage. Other precautions include using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sunlight between in the middle of the day when UV rays are strongest.
The immediate danger of too much sun is sunburn. If you looked at sunburned skin under a strong microscope, you would see that the cells and blood vessels have been damaged. With repeated sun damage, the skin starts to look dry, wrinkled, discolored, and leathery. Although the skin appears to be thicker, it actually has been weakened and, as a result, it will bruise more easily.
However, the sun's most serious threat is that it is the major cause of skin cancer, which is now the most common of all cancers. Doctors believe that most skin cancers can be avoided by preventing sun damage.
Does the sun have benefits?
You may have been taught that you need sunlight for your body to make vitamin D, because vitamin D is not found naturally in most foods. But today, many foods are fortified with vitamin D during the manufacturing process. Thus, sun exposure is not as important for the body's vitamin D supply as it used to be. Of course, being outdoors makes most people feel good. And playing tennis is better for your health than watching television. But you can still protect yourself from the sun's damaging effects while enjoying yourself outdoors.
How can I avoid the harmful effects of the sun?
Staying out of the sun is the best way to avoid sun damage, but most of us go outdoors regularly. So when you go outside, take these precautions:
- Always wear sunscreen. Apply it on your skin every day. Make it a habit, as you do with brushing your teeth.
- Avoid sun in the middle of the day, from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ultraviolet rays, which cause sunburn, are strongest during this time.
- Wear protective clothing. When you do go outdoors, especially for long periods in the middle of the day. Long sleeves and slacks, as well as a wide-brimmed hat, help protect your body against the sun's harmful effects.
- Wear sunglasses that filter UV light.
What is SPF in a sunscreen?
SPF stands for sun protection factor. The SPF number tells you how well the product will protect you from UVB, the burning rays of the sun. (Most sunscreens also absorb ultraviolet "A" rays, or UVA.) The higher the SPF number, the greater the amount of protection. Everyone should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you have had a skin cancer or precancer, you should use a sunscreen with an even higher SPF. Many of the new sunscreens have SPFs of 45 or higher.
Can I use a sunscreen with a low SPF if I don't burn very often?
If you were only trying to avoid sunburn, the answer would be "yes." But protection from sunburn is not the most important reason for wearing sunscreen. You want to reduce damage from the sun. Your skin can be harmed by constant sun exposure, whether or not you see a burn. Remember, sunburn is an immediate reaction, but damage from the sun occurs over a lifetime. If you have had skin cancer or pre-cancer, you should use an SPF of 30 or higher.
Are all the different types of sunscreens safe for me to use?
Yes. There are 2 types of sunscreens: organic (“chemical”) and inorganic (“physical”). They are both safe and they both protect you from sun damage, just in different ways. The level of protection provided by both types of sunscreens depends on their SPF. Recent studies have looked at the absorption of organic sunscreens into the skin, but no harmful effects have been seen. If absorption into the skin is a concern you have, you can use inorganic sunscreens, which have Titanium dioxide or Zinc oxide as their ingredients. As always, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Who should use sunscreen?
Anyone who spends time outdoors should use a sunscreen. This includes:
- Men, women, and children.
- People who tan easily and those who don't.
- Fair-skinned and dark-skinned people.
- People who already have tans and sunbathers, gardeners, and skiers.
Are sunscreens safe for children?
Yes. Not only are sunscreens safe for children over age 6 months, if used regularly in childhood they can prevent skin cancers from developing in later life. Recently, a researcher reported that if sunscreens were used regularly by children through the age of 18, there would be a 72% reduction in the cases of skin cancer later in life.
For children under the age of 6 months, protective clothing and shade should be utilized. If these methods are not available, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends applying a minimal amount of sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater to areas such as the infant’s face and the back of the hands.
How should sunscreen be applied?
Sunscreens are very effective when used properly. Follow these guidelines to give yourself the most protection:
- Apply the sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors, whenever you will be exposed for 30 minutes or more.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while you are outdoors, even if the product is labeled “all-day.” If you get wet or perspire heavily, reapply sunscreen more frequently.
- Cover all exposed areas, including your ears, lips, face, and back of your hands.
- Don't skimp; apply a generous layer. Smooth it on rather than rubbing it in. A rule of thumb is that 45 ml (a shot glass) of sunscreen is needed to cover all exposed skin to attain the stated level of protection.
- Women should apply sunscreens under makeup. If you wait to apply sunscreen until you hit the beach, you may already be perspiring, and moisture makes sunscreens less effective.
Should I skip sunscreen if I have sensitive skin?
Some sunscreens contain ingredients that may irritate the skin. If you know you react to specific ingredients, be sure to check the contents on the label. You can also ask your dermatologist to recommend a sunscreen.
However, the sunscreen may not be causing the reaction. Other products that come into contact with your skin, including perfumes, certain medications, and soaps, may make your skin more sensitive. Think about the products you have been using (especially new products), and stop using these products one by one before you stop using the sunscreen. If you are not sure about the side effects of a medication you are taking, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/10/2019.
References
- Lim Henry W. Photoprotection and Sun Protective Agents. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest B, Paller AS, Leffell DJ et al, editors. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Medical; 2008:Chap 223.
- Tung R, Vidimos A.Melanoma. In: Carey WD, ed. Cleveland Clinic: Current Clinical Medicine 2010. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:section 3.
- Tung R, Vidimos A.Nonmelanoma skin cancer. In: Carey WD, ed. Cleveland Clinic: Current Clinical Medicine 2010. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:section 3.
- Matta MK, Zusterzeel R, Pilli NR, et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. (//jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2733085) JAMA. Published online May 06, 2019321(21):2082–2091.
- Mohammed, Y. H., Holmes, A., Haridass, I. N., Sanchez, W. Y., Studier, H., Grice, J. E., … Roberts, M. S. (2019). Support for the Safe Use of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Sunscreens: Lack of Skin Penetration or Cellular Toxicity after Repeated Application in Volunteers. (//doi.org/10.1016/J.JID.2018.08.024) Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 139(2), 308–315. Accessed 11/18/2021.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Sun Safety: Information for Parents. About Sunburn and Sunscreen. (//www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx) Accessed 11/18/2021.
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