Skin Safety

UV rays are the part of sunlight that causes skin cancer and skin aging. Tanning beds also emit UV radiation.

Anyone can develop skin cancer, no matter how dark their skin. You can protect your skin by taking steps to avoid and protect yourself from UV rays.

Wear sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You should wear sunscreen all year around, and even on cloudy days.

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and use at least 1 ounce - about the size of a golf ball. Cover each part of your body exposed to the sun. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Spray sunscreen should be applied more often.

There are two types of sunscreen:

• Physical blockers sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV rays away from your skin like a shield or mirror would. Their main ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, minerals that are ground into fine particles.
• Chemical sunscreens form a thin protective film that absorbs UV radiation before it penetrates the skin.

There are benefits and drawbacks to both types of sunscreens. Physical sunscreens tend to cause less irritation and allergic reactions. They are not absorbed through the skin but may be thicker and appear more white on the skin. Chemical sunscreen ingredients tend to be lighter and easier to apply. But they are absorbed through the skin into the body and can cause more irritation and allergic reactions.

Physical, mineral-based sunscreens are safer and more effective. There are many products with physical sunscreens on the market. MD Anderson does not recommend any specific brand of sunscreen. The important thing is to try different ones until you find one that you like and will use regularly.

If you must be outdoors, seek shade

It’s best to avoid going outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. If you must be outdoors, seek shade and be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing. UV rays are present all year around and in every region of the country. They can damage your skin, even if it's cloudy.

Wear protective clothing and sunglasses

Dark, tightly woven clothing provides protection from the sun. If possible, choose clothing that has a UPF rating of 50+.

Pick a hat with a wide brim to shade your ears, neck and sides of your face. Sunglasses should have both UVA and UVB protection to help prevent cataract formation.

Avoid tanning beds

Tanning beds cause the same skin damage as the sun. They are not a safe alternative to sunbathing and being tan does not protect your skin from sun damage. Any amount of time in a tanning bed is too much time.

Be aware of changes in your skin

Suspicious spots or unusual moles could be a sign of skin cancer. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with your how your skin looks and the shape, size and color of any moles on your body. If you do notice new spots or changes, talk to your doctor about skin cancer screening. The earlier cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat successfully.

Get screened

Certain people are at increased risk for skin cancer. If you fall into one or more of the following groups, talk to your doctor or schedule a skin cancer screening exam.

• More than 50 moles
• Red or blonde hair, fair skin, freckles and blue or light-colored eyes
• History of frequent or intense sun exposure
• History of tanning bed use
• One or more blistering sunburns
• Family or personal history of melanoma or skin cancer

Protect your kids from UV rays

Just one or two blistering sunburns can double your child’s lifetime risk for melanoma. Help your kids practice the same sun-safety routine as you do. But note, do not apply sunscreen on babies 6 months and younger, and keep them out of the sun.