Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation. They can pass through your skin and damage your skin cells. Sunburns are a sign of skin damage. Suntans aren't healthy, either. They appear after the sun's rays have already killed some cells and damaged others. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or at any temperature. They can also cause eye problems, wrinkles, skin spots, and skin cancer.

To protect yourself

• Stay out of the sun when it is strongest (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
• Wear protective clothing
• Wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds

Check your skin regularly for changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of birthmarks, moles, and spots. Such changes are a sign of skin cancer.

Our bodies were built to make good use of the sun. Sunlight helps keep our sleeping patterns on track so we can stay awake by day and sleep soundly at night. Getting too little sun, especially in winter months, can leave some people prone to a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder. Sunlight also helps our skin make vitamin D, which is needed for normal bone function and health. Yet sunlight can also cause damage.

Sunlight travels to Earth as a mixture of both visible and invisible rays, or waves. Long waves, like radio waves, are harmless to people. But shorter waves, like ultraviolet (UV) light, can cause problems. The longest of these UV rays that reach the Earth’s surface are called UVA rays. The shorter ones are called UVB rays.

Too much exposure to UVB rays can lead to sunburn. UVA rays can travel more deeply into the skin than UVB rays, but both can affect your skin’s health. When UV rays enter skin cells, they upset delicate processes that affect the skin’s growth and appearance.

Over time, exposure to these rays can make the skin less elastic. Skin may even become thickened and leathery, wrinkled, or thinned like tissue paper. “The more sun exposure you have, the earlier your skin ages,” says Dr. Barnett S. Kramer, a cancer prevention expert at NIH.

Your skin does have ways to prevent or repair such damage. The outermost layer of skin constantly sheds dead skin cells and replaces them. You might have noticed this type of skin repair if you’ve ever had a bad sunburn. Your skin may peel, but it usually looks normal in a week or 2.

“When you’re exposed to ultraviolet radiation, there’s a repair process that goes on constantly in each one of your exposed cells,” says Dr. Stephen I. Katz, director of NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Still, long-term damage to your skin can remain.

As you get older, it becomes harder for skin to repair itself. Over time, UV damage can take a toll on your skin and its underlying connective tissue. As a result, your skin may develop more wrinkles and lines.

Too much sun exposure can also raise your risk for skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States. When UV light enters skin cells, it can harm the genetic material (called DNA) within.

DNA damage can cause changes to cells that make them rapidly grow and divide. This growth can lead to clumps of extra cells called a tumor, or lesion. These may be cancerous (malignant) or harmless (benign).

Skin cancer may first appear as a small spot on the skin. Some cancers reach deep into surrounding tissue. They may also spread from the skin to other organs of the body.

Each year, more than 2 million people are treated for 2 types of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers are seen in both older and younger people, and they’re rarely life-threatening.

Melanoma is a less common but more serious type of skin cancer that’s diagnosed in more than 68,000 Americans each year. Another 48,000 are diagnosed with an early form of the disease that involves only the top layer of skin. Melanomas arise from the cells that provide pigment (color) to the skin.

Your risk for melanoma is higher if members of your family have had skin cancer or if you’ve already had melanoma or other skin cancers. A major risk factor for melanoma is having a large number of moles, or having large flat moles with irregular shapes. Sunburns, especially during childhood, may also raise your risk for melanoma.

“If you’ve had skin cancers in the past, then you’re at a particularly high risk for developing another skin cancer,” Kramer says. “Over the long run, there is a high rate of new lesions developing.”

“One of the major factors affecting skin health is genetics, which determines the pigment content of your skin. This affects how much protection you have from natural sunlight,” explains Katz. Although darker-skinned people have a lower risk for sun-related damage and disease, people of all races and skin color can still get skin cancer.

“Certain genetic mutations contribute to melanoma onset in certain people. You find much less non-melanoma skin cancer in African Americans, people from the Middle East, or even Asians from the Near East,” Katz says.

The best way to protect skin health and prevent skin cancer is to limit sun exposure. Avoid prolonged time in the sun, and choose to be in the shade rather than in direct sunlight. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use sunscreen between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunscreen is especially important at that time, when the sun’s rays are most intense.

“The time to really start sun protective behavior is not when you reach adulthood, but years before,” Kramer says. “The message to parents is, now is the time to start protecting your child against skin damage from sun overexposure, when your child is developing sun exposure habits and when they have many more years of potential sun exposure ahead of them.” Among other skin-protecting habits, teach children and teens to avoid the use of tanning beds.

Sunscreens come labeled with a sun protection factor (SPF), such as 15, 30, or 50. A sunscreen labeled SPF 15 means it will take you 15 times as long to get a sunburn as it would if you had no sunscreen on. A sunscreen labeled SPF 30 means it would take you 30 times as long to burn.

The effectiveness of sunscreens is affected by several factors. A sunscreen’s active ingredients can break down over time, so be sure to check the expiration date on the container. The amount of sunscreen you use and how often you use it affects your protection from the sun. Perspiration and time spent in the water can also reduce sunscreen effectiveness.

Some people look to the sun as a source of vitamin D, but it takes just a brief time in the sun to do the trick. “You need very little exposure—something like 10 to 15 minutes a day to the backs of your hands, arms, and face—to get enough,” Katz says.

Several factors—like cloudy days or having dark-colored skin—can reduce the amount of vitamin D your skin makes. But you can also get vitamin D from foods or dietary supplements. Check with your health care provider about whether you should be taking vitamin D supplements.

Limit time in the sun to protect your skin against early wrinkles, damage, and disease. “Being sun smart is a good thing,” Katz says. And if you spot a suspicious mark on your skin, Kramer advises, be sure to get it checked out.

Block Sun Damage

• Stay in the shade. Limit sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when sunlight is most intense.
• Use sunscreen. Get sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection. If you have very light skin, use SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply often, at least every 2 hours. Don’t skimp.
• Protect your eyes. Choose sunglasses that protect the sides of your eyes and that are labeled to guard against both UVA and UVB.
• Cover your skin. Protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can help reduce sun exposure.
• Avoid indoor tanning. Tanning beds and sun lamps use special light bulbs that speed up tanning but also deliver harmful UV rays, increasing your risk for skin damage and cancer.

Believe it or not, skin is actually your body’s largest organ! All skin is made up of three primary layers:

• Epidermis (top layer)
• Dermis (middle layer)
• Subcutaneous layer or hypodermis (lower layer)

Skin has several very important tasks, including:

• Protecting the muscles, bones, and organs of your body
• Regulating body temperature
• Encasing the nerves that enable your sense of touch and relay messages—like the tactile sensations of soft, hard, hot, cold, comfort, and pain—to your brain.

Accurate determination of skin type requires experience. However, you may estimate your skin type using the following table:

Factors such as age, health, and skin type all determine how an individual will be affected by UV exposure.

People over the age of 50 and under the age of 5 are generally more sensitive to the harmful effects of UV. Those with immune deficiencies and chronic diseases also tend to be more susceptible to the side-effects of UV exposure.

In general, people with medium to dark complexions are less sensitive to UV exposure. Although people with darker complexions are less likely to get skin cancer than people with lighter complexions, they can still develop malignancies and suffer all forms of UV damage.

Dermatologists divide human skin into six types. Type I is the most sensitive and type VI is the least sensitive. People with skin type I are at a particularly high risk and should try to avoid exposure to UV.

People who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have:

• Pale skin
• Blonde, red, or light brown hair
• Been treated for skin cancer
• A family member who’s had skin cancer

Certain oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some cosmetics, may increase skin and eye sensitivity to UV in all skin types. Check the label and ask your doctor for more information.

Ozone layer depletion decreases our atmosphere’s natural protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This page provides an overview of the major health problems linked to overexposure to UV radiation. Understanding these risks and taking sensible precautions will help you enjoy the sun while reducing your chances of sun-related health problems.

Skin Cancer

Each year, more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. One American dies from skin cancer every hour. Unprotected exposure to UV radiation is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

Melanoma

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common cancers among adolescents and young adults ages 15-29. While melanoma accounts for about three percent of skin cancer cases, it causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. UV exposure and sunburns, particularly during childhood, are risk factors for the disease. Not all melanomas are exclusively sun-related—other possible influences include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies.

Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

Non-melanoma skin cancers are less deadly than melanomas. Nevertheless, they can spread if left untreated, causing disfigurement and more serious health problems. There are two primary types of non-melanoma skin cancers: basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. If caught and treated early, these two cancers are rarely fatal.

• Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer tumors. They usually appear as small, fleshy bumps or nodules on the head and neck, but can occur on other skin areas. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, and it rarely spreads to other parts of the body. It can, however, penetrate to the bone and cause considerable damage.
• Squamous cell carcinomas are tumors that may appear as nodules or as red, scaly patches. This cancer can develop into large masses, and unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Premature Aging and Other Skin Damage

Other UV-related skin disorders include actinic keratoses and premature aging of the skin. Actinic keratoses are skin growths that occur on body areas exposed to the sun. The face, hands, forearms, and the “V” of the neck are especially susceptible to this type of lesion. Although premalignant, actinic keratoses are a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. Look for raised, reddish, rough-textured growths and seek prompt medical attention if you discover them.

Chronic exposure to the sun also causes premature aging, which over time can make the skin become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Since it occurs gradually, often manifesting itself many years after the majority of a person’s sun exposure, premature aging is often regarded as an unavoidable, normal part of growing older. However, up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. With proper protection from UV radiation, most premature aging of the skin can be avoided.

Cataracts and Other Eye Damage

Cataracts are a form of eye damage in which a loss of transparency in the lens of the eye clouds vision. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. Research has shown that UV radiation increases the likelihood of certain cataracts. Although curable with modern eye surgery, cataracts diminish the eyesight of millions of Americans and cost billions of dollars in medical care each year.

Other kinds of eye damage include pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision), skin cancer around the eyes, and degeneration of the macula (the part of the retina where visual perception is most acute). All of these problems can be lessened with proper eye protection. Look for sunglasses, glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, that offer 99 to 100 percent UV protection.

Immune Suppression

Scientists have found that overexposure to UV radiation may suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses. For example, the skin normally mounts a defense against foreign invaders such as cancers and infections. But overexposure to UV radiation can weaken the immune system, reducing the skin’s ability to protect against these invaders.

The UV Index scale used in the United States conforms with international guidelines for UVI reporting established by the World Health Organization. Learn how to read the UV index Scale to help you avoid harmful exposure to UV radiation.

0 to 2: Low

No protection needed. You can safely stay outside using minimal sun protection.

3 to 7: Moderate to High

Protection needed. Seek shade during late morning through mid-afternoon. When outside, generously apply broad-spectrum SPF-15 or higher sunscreen on exposed skin, and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

8+: Very High to Extreme

Extra protection needed. Be careful outside, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon. If your shadow is shorter than you, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and generously apply a minimum of SPF-15, broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin.

The Shadow Rule

An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:

• If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.
• If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes.

When shopping for a sunscreen, consumers are faced with many choices. These choices include the sun protection factor (SPF) rating, which can vary from 8 to 50.

SPF is a measure of how much sunlight (UV radiation) is needed to develop sunburn after a sunscreen has been applied, compared to the amount of UV radiation required to develop sunburn on unprotected skin. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection is from UV radiation, and so the greater the sunburn protection.

It is important to know that SPF does not tell you how long you can be in the sun without getting sunburn. SPF does not mean that if you normally burn in 1 hour and you apply an SPF 8 sunscreen, it will take 8 hours for you to burn. Wrong. Instead, SPF tells you the amount of sunburn protection from UV radiation that is provided by sunscreens when they are used as directed – not burn protection time.

Several things can affect the amount of UV radiation exposure:

• time of day
• season
• geographic location
• altitude, and
• weather conditions (cloudy day versus clear)

For example, a person spending 15 minutes in the sun at noon in Boston without sunscreen may not sunburn, but that same person could burn after spending 15 minutes in the sun in Miami because of the higher amount of UV radiation exposure in the geographic location.

Skin complexion, amount of sunscreen applied, and how often you reapply can also affect exposure. In order for a sunscreen to be effective, it’s important that it be applied as directed, and reapplied as directed and needed based on physical activity. Participating in activities like swimming or activities that can promote heavy sweating may require more frequent reapplication.

Remember, SPF does not tell you how long you can be in the sun without getting sunburn. Instead, it’s a measure of the amount of sunburn protection from UV radiation that is provided by sunscreens when they are used as directed and as needed.

Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. 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 Index 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.

Sunscreen

Put on broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.

SPF. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that rates how well they block UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.

Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Expiration date. Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years. Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

Sun Safety Tips for Schools

Recess and other outdoor activities during the day can put students at risk if their skin isn’t protected from too much exposure to the sun. Teachers and school administrators can take steps to protect students from getting skin cancer later in life.

Increase Shade

• Provide shade structures or trees.
• Move outdoor activities to shaded areas.
• Plan for shade when developing or renovating school buildings, playgrounds, or athletic fields.

Promote Sun-Safe Behaviors

• Encourage students to wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen outdoors.
• Try to avoid scheduling outdoor activities when the sun is strongest.
• Provide breaks during outdoor activities so that students can reapply sunscreen and get water.

Use Proven Educational Programs

Proven skin cancer prevention interventions and educational programs are available for child care centers and schools.

Sun Safety Tips for Employers

The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to minimize risk of harm to workers. Employers may be required to provide workers’ compensation to employees who get skin cancer because of sun exposure on the job.

Skin cancer can greatly reduce workers’ productivity. Every year, Americans lose more than $100 million in productivity because of restricted activity or absence from work due to skin cancer.

Providing sun protection for outdoor workers helps create a healthy and safe workplace. It can also increase productivity, which saves money.

Increase Sun Protection for Employees

• Encourage sun safety among your employees and provide sun protection when possible.
• Use tents, shelters, and cooling stations to provide shade at worksites.
• Schedule breaks in the shade and allow workers to reapply sunscreen throughout their shifts.
• Create work schedules that minimize sun exposure. For example, schedule outdoor tasks like mowing for early morning instead of noon, and rotate workers to reduce their UV exposure.

Add Sun Safety to Workplace Policies and Training

• Include sun-safety information in workplace wellness programs. The National Cancer Institute’s Evidence-Based Cancer Control Programs website lists sun safety programs for outdoor worksites.
• Teach outdoor workers about the risks of exposure to UV rays and the symptoms of overexposure.

Everyone loves fun in the sun. We all know that too much sun causes skin damage. But did you know its ultraviolet (UV) rays can also damage the eyes? Here are some common questions and answers about UV light and how to protect your eyes from the sun.

Q: What is UV light?

UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It is invisible to the human eye because of its very short wavelength. Only a very small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is visible to the human eye as light. 

There are three types of UV light, based on wavelength range. UVA wavelength is 315 to 400 nanometers. UVB  is 280 to 315 nanometers, and UVC is 100 to 280 nanometers. 

Within the spectrum of visible and invisible light, just a small portion can be seen by human eyes. UV light is not visible. Credit: NEI

Q: Why do I need to protect my eyes from UV light?

UV light more easily penetrates eye tissues than visible light, potentially increasing the risk of eye problems. 

Among the three types of UV light, UVA emits the least energy but can cause aging of the skin. Wrinkles and “sunspots” are some of the most common long-term effects of UVA, but it is also linked to some skin cancers. 

UVB emits slightly more energy than UVA. UVB damages DNA directly and is responsible for sunburns and most UV-related cancers. 

UVC emits more energy than UVA and UVB but is mostly blocked by the Earth’s ozone layer. Aside from the sun, UVC comes from welding torches and UV sanitizing bulbs. It more easily penetrates the skin, potentially damaging skin cell DNA and increasing skin cancer risk. 

Q: How do I protect my eyes from UV light? 

Wearing sunglasses and a hat is the simplest and safest way to protect your eyes from UV rays. Choose sunglasses that that fit well and that block light from coming in around the lenses. Choose a hat with a broad, dark brim that shades your eyes and reduces glare. 

Consider staying indoors during parts of the day when the sun is strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check your local weather forecast for the UV index, a measure of UV intensity. Be aware that the UV index can be high even on cloudy days. 

Images of eyes with a pinguecula (top) and a pterygium (bottom). Image source: American Optometric Association

Q: What eye problems are linked to UV light exposure?

Several eye problems are linked to UV exposure. 

A pinguecula is a protein and fat deposit in the white part of the eye (sclera). It can cause irritation and, in rare cases, affect how tears cover the eye. 

A pterygium (Surfer’s Eye) is a growth that extends from the sclera to the clear tissue called the cornea, which covers the iris and pupil. 

A cataract is a cloudy area in the eye’s lens. Prolonged exposure to UV rays modifies lens proteins, leading to cataract formation and worsening eyesight. Over time, cataracts can make vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful.

Cancers of the eyelid, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are linked to UV exposure. No link has been made between UV exposure and other types of ocular cancers.               

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) blurs central vision due to the breakdown the macula — the part of the eye that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision. The macula is part of the light-sensitive retina in the back of the eye. Some studies indicate prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection increases the risk for AMD. 

Q: How can I protect my children’s eyes from UV?  

Sunglasses are available in many sizes, including kids' sizes. But sunglasses may not be practical for all kids. A hat may be a more practical solution.  

Q: How do sunglasses work? 

All sunglasses work by blocking and/or reflecting the harmful UV light away from the eyes.

Q: How do I choose a pair of sunglasses?

UV-blocking lenses are the most important feature of all sunglasses but should not be the only one to be considered when buying a new pair.   

Consider the following factors when choosing sunglasses: 

• Lens material. Sunglasses lenses can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic or polycarbonate. By law, retailers must indicate level of UV protection. Look for lenses that provide 99 to 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB or marked as having a UV400 rating. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulates non-prescription sunglasses as medical devices. It requires that manufacturers and retailers meet minimum requirements for UV protection, lens quality, impact resistance, labeling, and more. Unsure if your sunglasses have UV-blocking lenses? Many optical shops have a device called a photometer to test them. 
• Fit. Choose comfort over style when selecting sunglasses frames. They should feel good, stay in place, and cover the skin around your eyes. A good fit will minimize light that enters the eye from the top, bottom, and sides of the lenses.
• Use. Choose sunglasses according to your activity. Activities near water, snow, sand, and other reflective surfaces increase UV exposure by reflecting light. Polarized lenses are good for reducing glare from snow or water. Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or goggles to protect yourself from intense light or when doing yardwork or other activities that create flying debris.

Image credit: NEI

Q: Should I avoid cheaper sunglasses? 

Don't assume that expensive, designer sunglasses provide better UV protection than sunglasses available from grocery stores or discount vendors. Only buy sunglasses that are clearly marked as providing 99 to 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB or marked as having a UV400 rating.  

Q: Do contact lenses provide UV protection? 

Some contact lenses block UV. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses over your contact lenses will help protect the skin around your eyes as well the portion of your eyes that contact lenses don’t cover.

Nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year in the United States. Skin cancer can be serious, expensive, and sometimes even deadly. Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented.

• Ultraviolet (UV) rays—from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds—are known to cause skin cancer.
• Damage from exposure to UV rays builds up over time, so sun protection should start at an early age.

Protect your family and yourself from skin cancer!

Stay Sun-Safe Outdoors

• Seek shade, especially during midday hours. This includes 10 am to 4 pm, March through October, and 9 am to 3 pm, November through February. Umbrellas, trees, or other shelters can provide relief from the sun.
• Be extra careful around surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays, like snow, sand, water, and concrete.
• Wear sun protection gear like a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
• Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye problems. Wrap-around sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection by blocking UV rays from the side.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants or a long skirt for additional protection when possible. If that’s not practical, try wearing a T-shirt or a beach cover-up.
• Apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy or overcast days. Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Limit UV Exposure: Discourage Indoor and Outdoor Tanning

UV rays are strongest

• From late morning through mid-afternoon.
• Near the equator.
• During summer months.
• At high altitudes.

Remember that sunburns and skin damage can occur even on cloudy or overcast days.

Indoor and outdoor tanning often begin in the teen years and continue into adulthood. Don’t wait to teach your children about the dangers of tanning. Children may be more receptive than teens, so start the conversation early, before they start outdoor tanning or indoor tanning. For example, you can—

• Help preteens and teens understand the dangers of tanning so they can make healthy choices.
• Talk about avoiding tanning, especially before special events like homecoming, prom, or spring break.
• Discourage tanning, even if it’s just before one event like prom. UV exposure adds up over time. Every time you tan, you increase your risk of getting skin cancer.

Indoor tanning—

• Exposes users to intense levels of UV rays, a known cause of cancer.
• Does not offer protection against future sunburns. A “base tan” is actually a sign of skin damage.
• Can spread germs that can cause serious skin infections.
• Can lead to serious injury. Indoor tanning accidents and burns send more than 3,000 people to the emergency room each year.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that indoor tanning should not be used by anyone younger than age 18. Many states restrict the use of indoor tanning by minors. There’s no such thing as a safe tan.

Choose Sun-Safety Strategies that Work

Broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is important, but it shouldn’t be your only defense against the sun. For the best protection, use shade, clothing, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses, as well as sunscreen.

Men, especially those with lighter skin, are more likely than anybody else to get skin cancer, including melanoma—the deadliest kind of skin cancer.

When you think sun protection, you might think about a day at the beach. But over your lifetime, you get sun exposure doing everyday things like biking, working, running, or even mowing the lawn. Sun exposure is the main source of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause skin cancer. And UV exposure adds up over time, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Every year, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer, at a cost of about $8 billion. Melanoma causes around 9,000 deaths per year in the U.S.

Why Are Men More Likely Than Women to Get Skin Cancer?

Men tend to get more sun exposure than women. Men spend more time outside over their lifetimes than women, and they’re more likely to work outdoors than women. Women’s personal care products, like moisturizer and makeup, often contain sunscreen, while many products for men don’t.

About one-third of U.S. adults get sunburned each year. Sunburn, which can increase your risk of getting skin cancer, is common among white men, young adults, and men who tan indoors. When outside on a sunny day for more than an hour, only about 14% of men use sunscreen on both their face and other exposed skin.

Easy Ways to Protect Yourself

It’s easy to protect yourself from UV exposure—

• Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat offer the best protection. If you’re wearing a baseball cap or short-sleeved shirt, make sure to put sunscreen on your ears, neck, and arms.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which are peak times for sunlight.
• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on any exposed skin, and don’t forget to re-apply it every two hours, as well as after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
• If you work outdoors, ask about sun protection at your job, like wearing sun-protective clothing.
• Avoid indoor tanning.

Planning your next beach vacation? While having fun in the sun, consider these five tips to make sure your trip is a healthy one.

Avoid Tanning, Be Sun Safe

Thinking about getting a “healthy tan” over vacation? Think again. When you’re exposed to sunlight, an increase in your skin pigment (called “melanin”) can be a sign of damage. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause wrinkles and dark spots among other problems—and tanning puts you at higher risk for skin cancer. Plus, sunlight reflecting off of sand or water increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems.

But sunny days can still figure into your trip. Here’s how to be sun safe.

• Use sunscreen. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, and choose an SPF of 15 or higher. You need at least one ounce of sunscreen lotion (the size of a golf ball) to cover your body. Reapply at least every 2 hours, or every 40 to 80 minutes when swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the product label. And limit the time your skin is exposed to the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Wear sunglasses. Certain sunglasses can help protect your eyes. Choose sunglasses labeled with a UVA/UVB rating of 100% to get the most UV protection.
• Wear protective clothing. Consider wearing a hat and clothing that covers skin exposed to the sun. Try to stay in the shade under an umbrella or limit your time in the sun—especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
• Understand the facts about tanning beds. You may be tempted to “pre-tan” before a beach vacation. But don’t. The lamps in these beds emit ultraviolet radiation that can be more intense and harmful than the sun. The FDA recommends carefully reading the instructions and warnings before using these beds. Also note that tanning pills and accelerators are not approved by the FDA.
• Beware of spray tans and bronzers. Know that spray-on tanning or bronzing products are not UV protective.

Check Medications Before You Go

Know what medications you’ll need while on vacation. Check that you have enough to last the trip.

Also, review the instructions for taking medications. Look for warnings about interactions your medicines might have with certain foods or drinks and any other side effects. For instance, some medications can make you more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your healthcare provider about concerns or questions you have about your medications before you go. Don’t skip doses, don’t share medication, and don’t take more than the suggested dose.

Keep your medicine with you when traveling. (If you’re flying, you don’t want to land in Aruba and have your prescriptions land in Atlanta.) And keep a detailed list of what you’re taking and note the phone number of your health care provider. If you need to seek medical care while you’re away, this information will be helpful.

Be Careful With Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, be sure you have the supplies you need to last the trip. To avoid problems such as eye infections and corneal ulcers, make sure your contacts are prescribed by an eye care professional. Skip colored or decorative lenses sold in beauty supply stores or at the boardwalk, since they can damage your eyes.

Wash your hands before touching lenses, and use sterile solution. Never expose your lenses to saliva or non-sterile water, including that from the tap, bottle, or ocean. (Non-sterile water can put you at risk for an eye infection.) So remove your contacts before swimming or getting in the hot tub and follow your eye care professional’s other care and removal instructions.

Also remember to bring glasses in case your eyes become irritated. If your vision changes, your eyes get red, you have lots of tears, or your eyes hurt or feel itchy, take out your contact lenses and seek medical attention.

Think Twice About Getting Tattoos or Henna on Vacation

Tattoo and henna shops are often found on boardwalks and other areas around the beach. Whether you consider something non-permanent (like henna) or an actual tattoo, think before you ink. Getting a tattoo can put you at risk for serious infections like HIV or hepatitis if you are exposed to unclean tools, practices, or products. Plus, tattoo inks can cause allergic or otherwise bad reactions.

The FDA has not approved any inks for injecting into the skin and, as a general matter, does not actively regulate tattoo parlors. The FDA also hasn’t approved henna or hair dye for skin use, and some people have reported serious problems after using henna, including allergic reactions such as rashes and scarring.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy

Dehydration happens when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. So avoid getting dehydrated. For instance, when you spend a late afternoon at the beach (remember sun safety!) bring water and drink even before you feel thirsty. That said, beware of ice or tap water in places where the water isn’t safe to drink. (Learn more about causes and symptoms of dehydration via the U.S. Library of Medicine.)

Along with staying hydrated, try to make healthy food choices. If you’re at a buffet, you can follow the dietary guidelines, for instance, by first filling your plate with fruits, vegetables and whole grains and then adding the protein source.

Spending time outdoors can improve overall health and wellness. The outdoors offers many opportunities to be physically active. Time outdoors may also promote mental health and stress reduction. While enjoying the benefits of being outdoors, people can decrease skin cancer risk from too much UV exposure by using sun protection. Protect yourself by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying and re-applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can stimulate production of vitamin D in the skin. Having little or no sun exposure may put a person at risk for low levels of vitamin D, but too much UV exposure from the sun or artificial sources can increase risk of skin cancers and eye disease. CDC data show that most people in the United States are getting enough vitamin D. The amount of vitamin D a person’s skin makes when they are in the sun depends on many factors, including skin tone, geographic location, weather conditions, time of year, and time of day.

You can also get vitamin D through your diet. Food sources of vitamin D include some types of fish; foods with added vitamin D, such as some cereals; juices; dairy products; and egg yolks.

The skin can produce only a limited amount of vitamin D at one time. Once the body has reached this limit, spending more time in the sun will not continue to increase vitamin D levels. However, continued time in the sun will increase your skin cancer risk.There is no known level of UV exposure that would increase vitamin D levels without also increasing skin cancer risk. Vitamin D can be obtained safely through food and dietary supplements without the risks associated with overexposure to UV.

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer. To lower your skin cancer risk, protect your skin from the sun and avoid indoor tanning.

Summer is full of outdoor activities. You probably put sunscreen on yourself and your kids when you go to the pool or the beach. But do you know you should protect your skin with more than just sunscreen anytime you’re outside?

Sun protection is important all year round, and it’s best to use several different kinds. When you’re working in the yard, watching a ballgame, or taking an afternoon walk, make sun safety an everyday habit so you can avoid getting a sunburn and lower your chance of getting skin cancer.

What’s In Your Tote Bag?

Here’s a tip to help make sure you and your family stay sun-safe. Get ready for summer with a tote bag full of different ways to protect your skin. Keep the tote bag handy so you can grab it whenever you head out for summer fun!

Some important things to pack—

• A lightweight long-sleeved shirt or cover-up.
• A hat with a wide brim that shades your face, head, ears, and neck.
• Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection.

More Sun Safety Tips

Fast Facts About Skin Cancer

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and includes different types.
• Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.
• Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage.
• Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things put you at higher risk.
• The most common signs of skin cancer are changes on your skin, such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole.

You are at an increased risk of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays when traveling near the equator, during summer months, at high altitudes, and between 10 am and 4 pm. You can even be exposed to UV rays on cloudy days! Reflection from the snow, sand, and water increases sun exposure, so protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities, including skiing (snow or water), spending time at the beach, swimming, and sailing.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

• Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours (10 am to 4 pm).
• Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB< rays.
• Use sunscreen.
  • Use SPF 15 or higher.
  • Look for “blocks UVA and UVB” or “broad spectrum” on the label.
  • Apply sunscreen liberally (minimum of 1 ounce) at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Remember to apply to ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.
  • Reapply at least every 2 hours and each time you get out of the water or sweat heavily.
  • If you are also using insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and repellent second. Sunscreen may need to be reapplied more often.
  • Throw away sunscreens after 1–2 years.
• Avoid indoor tanning. Getting a “base tan” before your vacation damages your skin and doesn’t protect you from sun exposure on your trip.

Treating a Sunburn

• Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve pain, headache, and fever.
• Drink plenty of water, and soothe burns with cool baths or by gently applying cool, wet cloths.
• Use a topical moisturizing cream or aloe to provide additional relief.
• Don’t go back into the sun until the burn has healed.

If skin blisters, lightly bandage or cover the area with gauze to prevent infection. Don’t break blisters (that would slow healing and increase risk of infection). Apply antiseptic ointment if blisters break.

Seek medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Severe sunburn, especially if it covers more than 15% of the body.
• Dehydration (see “Travel to Hot Climates”).
• High fever (above 101°F).
• Extreme pain that lasts more than 48 hours.