Sun safety

Protecting your skin from the sun and avoiding tanning beds lowers your risk of skin cancer.

Rosa: Hi, I'm Rosa. Protecting your skin from the sun lowers your risk of skin cancer. Here are some simple habits that help.

Most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays come from the sun and from tanning beds. They damage the skin over time, even when you do not get a sunburn.

Sunburns, especially in childhood, raise the risk of melanoma later in life. A tan is also a sign of skin damage. There is no such thing as a safe tan from the sun or a tanning bed.

UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day, from about 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. They can reach you on cloudy days and bounce off water, sand, and snow.

People of all skin colors can get skin cancer. People with fair skin, light hair, freckles, or many moles burn more easily and are at higher risk. Some medicines can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Ask your pharmacist.

Seek shade

Stay in the shade, especially in the middle of the day.

Cover up

Wear long sleeves, pants, and clothes made to block the sun when you can.

Hat

A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck.

Sunglasses

Choose ones that block UV rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.

Sunscreen

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher. Put it on before going out and again every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating.

No tanning beds

Tanning beds raise the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

• Keep sunscreen in your bag, car, or by the door.
• Check the UV index in your weather app.
• Protect children's skin, and teach them good habits early.
• Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun.

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.