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Because ultraviolet radiation damage is cumulative, a lifetime of consistent skin-protection practices is the most important weapon in the battle to reduce skin cancer rates. However, only 53 percent of adults surveyed by the American Academy of Dermatology in 1997 used sunscreen, 54 percent sought shade, 27 percent wore hats, and only 8 percent wore shirts on sunny days to shield their skin from the sun. Three-fourths of adults surveyed reported that their children (ages 12 and younger) used some form of sun protection.

One way to ensure that you are getting enough protection is to use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, and apply twice as much as you normally would rub into your skin. Re-apply sunscreen liberally every two hours or after swimming or perspiring. Consult your doctor to determine if you need extra protection because of a medical condition or are taking medications that may make you more sensitive to sunlight.

Other measures you can take to protect your skin include:

• Avoiding direct sunlight exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; if your shadow is shorter than you are, the damaging rays of the sun are at their strongest and you're likely to sunburn, advises the American Academy of Dermatology
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
• Wearing sunglasses and sun-protective clothing when you are in the sunshine for prolonged periods
• Avoiding tanning salons

External Resources: American Academy of Dermatology

This article was published on 1999-11-05
This article was reviewed on 2003-02-03