Anytime of year is time to take stock in how much you're exposing your skin to the damaging effects of the sun's rays.

Summer brings its own sun concerns--more time spent outdoors and the urge to have a tanned look, for example.

Thomas Ray, MD, professor of dermatology and a practicing dermatologist at UI Health Care's dermatology clinic, offers these facts and tips to keep you safe from the sun, this summer and anytime during the year.

Sun Facts

• Anyone can sunburn.
• Sun induced skin cancers are the most common cancers of Caucasian adults.
• The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in epidemic proportions in our country.
• The risk of developing a melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, doubles every 10 years.
• Protecting skin from the sun's rays could prevent about 80% of skin cancers.
• Harmful ultraviolet rays (UV) reflect off water and light colored surfaces, such as concrete, water, sand and snow. UV rays also reach below the surface of water.

Sunscreen Tips For Adults

• Use sunscreen every day of the year. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's harmful rays reach earth.
• Wear a sunscreen that has at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15.
• Sunscreens work by absorbing most of the sun's rays before they penetrate the skin, but some still get through.
• Sunblocks such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide block or reflect the sun's rays.
• Water Resistant sunscreens protect skin for 40 minutes of water exposure. Waterproof sunscreens protect for 80 minutes.
• Use plenty. Studies have shown that the average person uses about 1/2 the amount of sunscreen that the manufacturer used when determining the SPF value. The average adult requires one ounce (oz) of sunscreen for adequate total body coverage. Children require about half this amount.
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Remember to apply sunscreen to lips, ears and exposed scalp.
• Reapply after sweating, swimming or toweling off.
• Understand Sun Protection Factors (SPF). A SPF of 8 filters out 86% of ultraviolet radiation. SPF 15 blocks 92% of damaging rays and SPF 30 blocks 96% of ultraviolet rays.
• Spray, Gel and Lotion forms are available. Sprays work best on the body and are fun for children. Gels work well for oily skin or when working and sweating. Lotions help dry skin.
• Stick balms are great for lips and ears. These can also be used around the eyes to avoid stinging.

 Other Important Tips

• Wear Hats. Each inch of hat brim can lower your lifetime risk of skin cancer by 10%. A hat brim of four inches or greater is recommended. Make certain that the top and brim of a straw hat have sunproof liners in place.
• Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the worst and greatest quantity of ultraviolet light exists. If your shadow is longer than your are tall, it is okay to be outside.
• Wear protective eyewear. Sunglasses with UV-blocking filters are very important. The eye is the second most common site in which melanoma develop.
• Some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun's rays. Certain antibiotics, birthcontrol pills, diuretics, antihistamines and antidepressants may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Dress accordingly and take extra precautions if you are taking any of these medications.
• Discourage use of tanning parlors. Tanning devices can damage the skin and eyes as much as direct sunlight and have been linked to increased risk of developing melanoma.
• Check the UV Index each day and dress accordingly. The UV Index is a prediction of the sun's UV radiation on any given day at noon. Check the Internet, your local newpaper, television or radio for your local daily UV Index.
• Shop for "safari" type, light-weight, vented clothing that is designed for maximal comfort as well as sun protection.
• UV-blocking plastic film applied to the inside of the windows of your house or car can greatly decrease the amount of ultraviolet rays reaching your skin.

Department of Dermatology