Sunlight Exposure – OnCare Cancer Center Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning booths. It causes early aging of the skin and skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. Doctors encourage people of all ages to limit their time in the sun and to avoid other sources of UV radiation.

Decrease Your Risk

Avoid the midday sun (from mid-morning to late afternoon) whenever possible. You also should protect yourself from UV radiation reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice. UV radiation can penetrate light clothing, windshields, and windows.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses with lenses that absorb UV.
Use sunscreen everyday. Sunscreen may help prevent skin cancer, especially sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. But sunscreens cannot replace avoiding the sun and wearing clothing to protect the skin.
Stay away from sunlamps and tanning booths. They are no safer than sunlight.