5 Essential Sun Protection Tips for Healthy Skin All Year Round

• The sun emits radiation that can cause skin damage, such as sunburn, premature aging, leathery skin, and skin cancer.
• Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is not only important during the summer, but all year round.
• Taking precautions such as applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and wearing sunglasses can all help protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects.

While summer may be the time we think about being out in the sun the most, protecting your skin from UV rays should be a priority year-round. Being out in the sun is essential for our health; studies show that spending time outdoors and in sunlight has positive effects on both our physical and mental well-being (not to mention it's the best way to obtain much-needed vitamin D!).

However, too much sun can lead to other issues, such as sunburn, early skin aging, and a higher risk of skin cancer. Ensuring your skin is well-protected before going out in the sun is crucial for maintaining your health and safety from harmful UV radiation.

We've gathered the best tips for keeping your skin protected and healthy all year.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and is most prominently caused by UV radiation from the sun. It can also occur from artificial sources that produce UV radiation, like tanning beds.

There are a few different types of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma (the most common skin cancer)
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Melanoma
• Merkel cell carcinoma (an extremely rare type)

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most commonly diagnosed skin cancers, and often result in growths that show up in sun-exposed skin areas on the body. Melanoma can appear on any area of the body and is often a result of intense sun exposure, frequently caused by sunburns.

According to the National Cancer Institute, there have been 104,960 new diagnosed cases of melanoma in 2025 alone. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 1 out of 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70.

Understanding the risks of skin cancer and taking preventive measures can help reduce your risk of developing it. Early detection is vital when treating skin cancer, so if you notice any unusual moles, changes to existing moles, or odd changes to your skin, visit a dermatologist immediately.

Note: To learn more about skin cancer, visit this source .

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

In order to protect your skin and limit your exposure to skin cancer, it's important to know what puts you at risk of developing it. Factors that can result in a higher skin cancer risk include:

• Overexposure to UV radiation: The sun's rays increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
• Certain medications: Some commonly prescribed medications, such as prednisone and immunosuppressants, may make you more vulnerable to skin cancer .
• Genetic factors: Certain genetic components, such as naturally fair skin, light hair, or blue or green eyes, can increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Using tanning beds and tanning salons: Tanning bed use emits UV radiation, increasing the risk of skin cancer, and should be avoided.
• Environmental factors: Reflective surfaces, such as water, sand, and snow, can increase UV exposure.

To understand how the sun can cause risks such as skin cancer, you should know about UV (ultraviolet) radiation (also referred to as UV light). The sun emits UV radiation constantly, though you can also be exposed to this radiation through artificial sources, such as tanning beds.

Types of UV Rays

UV radiation consists of three types of rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.

• UVA rays tend to be longer wavelengths that can penetrate deep into the skin, which contributes to premature aging and wrinkles. These types of rays are able to pass through Earth's atmosphere, putting us at risk of exposure.
• UVB rays are shorter wavelengths that primarily affect the outer layer of skin, resulting in sunburns. UVB rays also pass through Earth's atmosphere putting us at risk of exposure.
• UVC rays are considered the most harmful, but are completely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, so there is no current chance of exposure.

When making decisions on how to protect your skin from UV rays , you'll want to consider options that protect against UVA and UVB rays. For example, some sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they protect against both types of rays. Additionally, you can consult the UV Index , which forecasts how strong UV rays will be in your area to let you know how much time is safe to spend outdoors. The scale is numbered 1-11+, which gives an idea of how much UV exposure is occurring and the precautions to take.

• >2 (Low Exposure): Safe to be out in the sun, but still use SPF 15 to protect skin.
• 3-5 (Moderate Exposure: Take precautions such as wearing a hat and sunglasses, and use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Seek shade when possible.
• 6-7 (High Exposure): Sun damage is possible, so wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use SPF 30 at minimum, and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants if practical.
• 8-10 (Very High Exposure): Protection from sun damage is needed. If unable to stay inside during peak sun hours (10 A.M.-4 P.M.), take precautions to protect from sun damage, including a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and long-sleeve shirts and pants if practical. Seek shade during midday hours as much as possible.
• 11+ (Extreme Exposure): Protection from sun damage is needed. If unable to stay inside during peak sun hours (10 A.M.-4 P.M.), take precautions to protect from sun damage, including a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and long-sleeve shirts and pants if practical. Seek shade during midday hours as much as possible.

Note: To learn more about UV radiation, visit this source .

To keep your skin protected, here are five sun safety tips to keep in mind.

#1. Wear Protective Clothing

Wearing certain types of clothing can provide sun protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, or skirts is advised, as they cover more skin and offer the most protection. Ideally, wearing clothes made of tightly woven fabric can also provide excellent protection.

If wearing long-sleeved clothing isn't an option or practical, opt for clothing that still provides coverage, such as a t-shirt or a swimsuit cover-up. The CDC suggests that wearing darker clothes may offer more UV protection than lighter ones. Wearing clothing made of tightly woven fabric is also recommended.

Some clothing brands offer options that are internationally certified to protect against UV radiation as well.

Additionally, consider wearing items that protect your head and face, such as wide-brimmed hats, straw hats, or baseball caps.

#2. Apply Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is exceptionally important to keep exposed skin protected. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to all exposed skin, and reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

While having an SPF value of 15 is the minimum recommendation, having a higher SPF is likely to provide better overall protection, so choosing an option with an SPF of 30-50 is worth considering. Using a water-resistant sunscreen is ideal for keeping skin safe even after sweating or swimming.

#3. Look For Shade

When out in the sun, seek shade, especially during peak sun hours, to reduce UV exposure and prevent sunburn. If there aren't going to be shady spots available, bringing items such as an umbrella or a canopy can be helpful.

#4. Wear Sunglasses

In addition to protective clothing, wear sunglasses that block UV rays to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin. If you already wear prescription glasses, getting a pair of prescription sunglasses or transition lenses can provide continuous eye protection. For children, make sure they have sunglasses that will block the sun's rays; toy sunglasses won't provide adequate protection.

#5. Avoid Peak Sun Hours

While not always possible, planning your activities during hours when the sun isn't at its brightest, such as early morning or late evening, can be beneficial. However, you should still use sunscreen and protective clothing during non-peak hours and on cloudy or cool days.

You may know that you need to apply sunscreen when out in the sun, but there are multiple factors to consider when selecting and applying it.

#1 Choose the Best Sunscreen That Provides Appropriate Protection for Your Skin

Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 is considered the minimum requirement to protect your skin. However, if you have sensitive skin or are going to be outside for long periods during peak sun hours, you may need to seek out an SPF of 30 or higher. The higher the SPF, the longer your skin will be protected from UV radiation.

If you have sensitive skin, you will also want to seek out sunscreen options that won't irritate it. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are typically less likely to irritate the skin.

#2 Use Sunscreen That is Sweat and Water-Resistant

Sunscreen can rub off or be washed away after being exposed to water or sweat, especially if you're spending most of your time in water or being physically active outdoors. Choosing a sunscreen that is water and sweat-resistant provides the best protection for your skin.

#3 Use the Appropriate Amount of Sunscreen

Using sunscreen in general is beneficial, but it's important to ensure you're using enough sunscreen to protect all exposed skin. If you're unsure how much sunscreen to use, you can use methods to give you a starting point. For example, the three-finger rule advises using the length of three fingers' worth of sunscreen to cover your face and neck. You can also start by using about one ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) for the rest of your body, though you may need more to cover all uncovered skin.

#4 Reapply Regularly

It's not enough to apply sunscreen once a day. If you are going to be outdoors for long periods of time, you will need to reapply sunscreen to ensure you stay protected. A good rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours, but you may need to reapply sooner if you've been sweating or in water.

What is the three-finger rule for sunscreen application?

The three-finger rule advises using the length of three fingers (most commonly the pointer, middle, and index fingers) to measure the amount of sunscreen to use on your face and neck.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?

You should reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you've been swimming or sweating. If you're in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, you may need to reapply more frequently.