According to the Mayo Clinic (2026), skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and 90% is caused by exposure to the sun. Avoiding overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light will prevent damage to your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Limiting sun exposure and following these recommended practices will reduce the harmful effects of the sun.

Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen and Lip Protection

Select a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least a 30 Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating for the best protection. Sunscreens contain one or more protective chemicals that absorb and/or scatter ultraviolet rays. Check the expiration dates on sunscreen to ensure the effectiveness of the products.

Sunscreens are available in many forms, including lotions, gels, sprays, ointments, and wax sticks. Choose the form of sunscreen you will use and apply generously every day. If using a spray sunscreen, avoid breathing in the spray and be sure to rub it into the skin. In addition to sunscreen, use lip protection with 30 SPF or higher that provides protection from UVA and UVB rays (or protects from broad spectrum sunlight).

Sunscreen should be applied 20–30 minutes before going out into the sun to allow time for the sunscreen to start working. Apply liberally, using at least three tablespoons or more on most adults. Reapply every 2 hours. Apply more often if swimming or perspiring heavily to provide maximum effectiveness. Limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Plan to stay in the shade when you need to be outside during those hours. Use extra caution when around water, sand, snow, ice, and concrete as they can reflect sun rays.

Kids burn more easily than adults, so pay special attention to protecting their skin, lips, and eyes. Babies younger than six months should not be exposed to the sun.

Wear Sun Protective Clothing

Clothing can provide protection from ultraviolet light. Wearing clothing made with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a carefree way to be sun safe. The higher the clothing’s UPF, the more protection it provides from UV rays. Garments can lose their sun-protective effectiveness over time. Follow label instructions to care for garments and ensure their continued UPF protection.

Wearing clothing and swimsuits made with UPF can keep you safe and reduce the harmful effects of UV rays. Clothing made with UPF provides consistent protection and does not wear off like sunscreen—just be sure to apply sunscreen to uncovered areas of skin, including your feet.

Use Sunglasses

Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB radiation to prevent sun damage to your eyes and eyelids. The color or darkness of the lenses does not indicate UV protection, which is an invisible chemical applied to lenses. Be sure to wear sunglasses whenever you are in the sun, even on cloudy days.

Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat

Since skin cancer is prevalent on the head, it is important to wear a hat. Choose a tightly woven hat with a wide brim of at least 3 inches to provide shade for the eyes, ears, nose, and neck. Some hats also come with loose flaps or drapes to provide extra coverage of the ears and neck. Styles allowing air circulation can offer protection as well as comfort.

Following these sun safety tips is the strongest defense against developing skin cancer as well as premature skin aging. However, no one protection method can completely reduce your risk. Statistics show that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2025). Avoiding tanning beds, performing skin self-exams, and visiting a board-certified dermatologist every year for a professional skin cancer screening are additional ways to reduce your risk.

Additional Resources

• Practice Safe Sun
  (aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/practice-safe-sun)
• Preventing Skin Cancer
  (cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/online-documents/en/pdf/infographics/dont-fry-skin-cancer-prevention.pdf)

References

Mayo Clinic. (2026). Infographic: Skin cancer. Mayo Clinic.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/multimedia/skin-cancer-infographic/ifg-20441507

Skin Cancer Foundation (2025). Sun protection: Your daily sun protection guide. Skin Cancer Foundation.
skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection

Originally written Feb 18, 2016, by Pat Brinkman, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension.

Revised by Laura M. Stanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension.