Be Sun Smart^SM:  Protect Yourself from the Sun

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma^1,2. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here's how to Be Sun Smart^SM.

• Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 to all exposed skin. "Broad-spectrum" provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION^® on products that meet these criteria.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.

• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing and applying sunscreen.

• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.³

• Avoid tanning beds.  Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

• Check your birthday suit on your birthday.  If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Check the Academy's Web site for the latest list of sun-protective products that meet the stringent criteria of the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION^®.

¹ American Cancer Society. 2008 Cancer Facts and Figures. www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/2008CAFFfinalsecured.pdf 
² Robinson, JK. Sun Exposure, Sun Protection and Vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294: 1541-43.
³ Hemminki K, Dong C. Subsequent cancers after in situ and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Arch Dermatol 2000;136:647-51.