Of course, if you never went out in the sun, you wouldn't have to worry about any of this. But who wants to live like a hermit?

The best way to care for your skin is to find a balance between activity and protection. Sunscreens, which act as a block to the sun's harmful rays, can be one of your best defenses against sun damage because they protect you without interfering with your comfort and activity levels. (In other words, you don't have to wear only long clothes or hide indoors when the sun is shining!) The SPF number on a sunscreen is a way to indicate the level of protection. Sunscreens with a higher SPF number provide more defense against the sun's damaging UV rays.

Here are some tips to protect your skin and eyes from sun damage. Even if you don't follow all of these steps all of the time, following some of them can help protect you from sunburn and skin damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

* Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on an everyday basis, even on cloudy days and when you don't plan on spending much time outdoors. You should wear sunscreen every day because dermatologists believe that as much as 80% of sun exposure is incidental, the type you get from walking your dog or eating lunch outside. If you don't want to wear a pure sunscreen, try a moisturizer that has sunscreen in it.

* Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays (these types of sunscreens, called broad-spectrum sunscreens, contain more active ingredients to help the sunscreen work better). Ideally, your sunscreen should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn't cause a rash or clog your pores and give you acne.

* Sunscreen needs to be applied thickly enough to make a difference. People often do not put on enough sunscreen to get the full SPF protection. If you're not sure you're putting on enough of the product - or you don't like the way a lot of sunscreen feels, switch to a sunscreen with a higher SPF.

* If you are going to be outside for a while, reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours and after swimming or sweating. If you'll be in the direct sun, wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. If you'll be playing sports, make sure the sunscreen is waterproof and sweatproof.

* The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so take frequent breaks during these hours. Cool off indoors or in the shade for a while before heading out again.

* Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses that provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation.

* Be aware that reflective surfaces like snow and water can increase the amount of UV radiation to which your skin is exposed.

* Certain medications, such as antibiotics used to treat acne and birth control pills, can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor to find out whether your medications might have this effect and what you should do.

Reviewed by: Patrice Hyde, MD
Date reviewed: August 2003

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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