Healthy Living
Skin Smarts: Six Steps to Keep Your Skin Safe in the Sun
Key Takeaways
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, but you can take steps to reduce your risk when you go out in the sun by wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30, reapplying every couple of hours, wearing hats or clothing, and scheduling time to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
- Sun damage is cumulative over a lifetime, and it all adds up, even when you’re not actively seeking out the sun. Also, a “base tan” does not protect against sun damage, so skip tanning beds.
Last Updated: June 9, 2026
Whether you’re hanging outside at home in upstate New York or traveling someplace sunnier, it’s important to remember a few important tips when spending time in the sun. That’s because sunburns or repeated tanning can damage your skin.
Over time, this damage not only can cause wrinkles but can also increase your chances of skin cancer.
In fact, during their lifetimes, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer – the most common type of cancer in the U.S.
University of Rochester Medicine Dermatologist Dr. Mary Gail Mercurio offers these six steps for sun safety.
- Screen it: Use sunscreen every day and choose one wisely. The best have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and guard against both UVB and UVA ultraviolet radiation. (Look for "broad spectrum" on the bottle.)
- Cover it: Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply it every two to three hours while you’re outside. Be sure to put it on all exposed skin, including the back of your neck, tops of your ears and feet, and your scalp if you’ve lost some hair. If you're spending time in the water, you may need to apply more frequently.
- Top it off: A hat with a four-inch brim will protect more than 95 percent of your head, face, and neck. Lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs also offers good protection.
- Wait it out: Stay indoors or in the shade when the sun is most intense, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the most damaging rays.
- Skip it: A “base tan” doesn’t provide any protection from sun damage, so skip the tanning beds. Whether from a beach or a tanning bed, there is no such thing as a safe, healthy, or protective tan; every tan accumulates more damage to the skin. Even a few tanning-bed sessions increase your risk for skin cancer.
- Add it up: When caring for your skin, remember that sun damage is cumulative and occurs even when you’re not actively sun-seeking, like when you’re walking the dog, mowing the lawn, or even out running errands.
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