Skin Sun Safety Resource Center
Wellness & SelfcareSkin CareSkin Sun Safety

Skin Sun Safety

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The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can damage a person’s skin, eyes, and immune system, leading to an increased risk of premature skin aging and even cancer in some cases. However, taking the proper precautions can limit sun damage and protect you from its harmful effects. Sun safety tips include applying a water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, wearing protective clothing that covers your skin, and seeking shade.

 Speak to a dermatologist if you have concerns about recent sun exposure or new or changing moles, lesions, or rashes.

   Poll

How often do you apply sunscreen when you’re outside?

FAQ

What are the risks of sun exposure?

Sun exposure can lead to sunburn, which damages blood vessels and contributes to premature skin aging, including wrinkles, dryness, discoloration, and a leathery texture. Excessive UV radiation also increases your risk of skin cancer.

Two types of sunscreens, chemical and mineral, are available, and they work differently. Mineral sunscreens form a barrier that blocks UV rays from entering the skin, whereas chemical sunscreens convert light to heat, which radiates away from the skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply it everywhere that could face sun exposure. To protect your face, neck, arms, and legs, you’ll need around 1 ounce of sunscreen — or about as much as would fill a shot glass.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you sweat a lot or are going swimming. This also applies to sunscreens that are labeled “water-resistant,” which are only effective for 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the product.

Wear protective clothing, seek shade, and avoid excessive sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Meet Our Experts In Skin Sun Safety
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Susan-Bard-bio

Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

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Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

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shenara-austin-sexton-bio

Shenara Austin Sexton, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Shenara Austin Sexton, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Forefront Dermatology in Sandy Springs, Georgia. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a memb...

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Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum la...

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Blair Murphy-Rose, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Skincare Junkie. She is an accomplished cosmetic, medical, and surgical dermatologist,...

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Sun Safety. Johns Hopkins.
  2. How Can I Tell if I Have Skin Cancer? American Academy of Dermatology Association.

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