National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Sun Exposure is theNational Cancer Institute

Other Languages

Find health information in languages other than English on Sun Exposure

NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

Skin and Sun -- Safety First

Disclaimers

MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our disclaimer about external links and our quality guidelines.

Who Should Use Sunscreen?

Everyone should use sunscreen. Exposure to the sun or ultraviolet (UV) light puts you at risk for skin cancer, regardless of your age, gender, or race. Learn the basics of how to apply and store your sunscreen.

Summary

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are an invisible form of radiation. They can pass through your skin and damage your skin cells. Sunburns are a sign of skin damage. Suntans aren't healthy, either. They appear after the sun's rays have already killed some cells and damaged others. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or at any temperature. They can also cause eye problems, wrinkles, skin spots, and skin cancer.

To protect yourself

Stay out of the sun when it is strongest (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
Wear protective clothing
Wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection
Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds

Check your skin regularly for changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of birthmarks, moles, and spots. Such changes are a sign of skin cancer.

Food and Drug Administration

Start Here

Health Effects of UV Radiation (Environmental Protection Agency)Also in Spanish
Sun and Skin: The Dark Side of Sun Exposure (National Institutes of Health)Also in Spanish
Sun Damage (Logical Images)

Prevention and Risk Factors

How to Decode Sunscreen Lingo (American Academy of Dermatology)
Protecting Yourself from Sun Exposure (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Sun Safety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Also in Spanish
Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun (Food and Drug Administration)

Treatments and Therapies

Treating Sunburn (American Academy of Dermatology)
When Might Sunburn Require Medical Attention?(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish

Related Issues

Actinic Cheilitis (Logical Images)
Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis) (Logical Images)
Best Sunscreen: Understand Sunscreen Options(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish
Cutaneous Horn (Logical Images)
Essential Outdoor Sun Safety Tips for Winter (Skin Cancer Foundation)
Poikiloderma of Civatte (Logical Images)
Solar Lentigo (Logical Images)
Sunscreens FAQs (American Academy of Dermatology)
Vitamin D (National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements)Also in Spanish

Specifics

Sun Allergy (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish
Sun, UV Radiation and Your Eyes (American Academy of Ophthalmology)Also in Spanish