Protecting your skin from the sun not only helps you avoid painful sunburn, but it also reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. While it’s impossible to completely avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, developing healthy sun safety habits reduces your lifetime exposure and supports the long-term wellness of your skin.
Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation. The two primary types that affect the skin are UVA rays and UVB rays.
UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are linked to premature skin aging, which includes age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin. UVB rays, on the other hand, mostly affect the outer layers of the skin and are responsible for sunburn.
Both UVA and UVB rays can harm the DNA in skin cells over time, increasing the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Even if you don’t burn easily or spend long hours in direct sunlight, small amounts of daily exposure can add up over time.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with the majority of cases linked to UV exposure. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Although these cancers vary in how they develop and behave, early detection and treatment typically lead to better outcomes.
While having light eyes and fair skin are factors that increase an individual's risk level, individuals with darker skin tones can also be affected by skin cancer. Minimizing excessive sun exposure helps reduce the risk of skin cancer for everyone, regardless of complexion.
Learn more about skin cancer risk factors.
One of the most effective ways to protect your skin is by using sunscreen. Sunscreens are designed to block both UVA and UVB rays, decreasing the amount of harmful radiation that reaches your skin. Even if you’re not spending your day outside, any sun exposure increases the amount of UV rays you’re exposed to, including through car windows, house windows, and just walking in and out of stores or your place of work.
For the best protection:
Regardless of your skin tone, wearing sunscreen offers benefits. If you have a darker natural skin tone or you have a tan, the melanin in your skin provides some natural protection, but it does not eliminate the risk of UV-related skin changes.
Related reading: How to Read a Sunscreen Label
While sunscreen is an excellent first line of defense, it is most effective when combined with other protective measures.
Whenever possible, seek shade during the middle of the day, when UV radiation is strongest (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). If scheduling outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon is not possible, finding ways to stay in the shade during these times can significantly reduce your exposure.
Wearing protective clothing can also make a difference. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses offer reliable physical protection.
Another important step you can take is to avoid tanning beds. Indoor tanning devices expose the skin to concentrated UV radiation, which can damage skin cells and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Checking the daily UV Index can also help you decide when to spend time outdoors. UV radiation, especially with a rating of 3 or higher, can be strong enough to cause damage even on overcast days.
Several misconceptions about sun exposure can lead to underestimating your risk.
Myth: Cloudy days are safe, so you don’t need to wear sunscreen or as much sun protection that day.
Reality: In reality, a significant portion of UV rays penetrate through the cloud cover, meaning your skin is still receiving the rays and damage, even when the sun isn’t shining brightly.
Myth: Your skin is protected by being indoors.
Reality: While glass blocks most UVB rays, many UVA rays can still penetrate through windows, allowing for UV damage when sitting near windows at home or in a car.
Myth: Tanned skin is healthy skin.
Reality: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a tan is a visible signal of damage that accelerates the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and weathered skin. While a tan may slightly reduce the risk of burning, it doesn’t prevent UV skin damage or lower the risk of developing skin cancer.
Myth: Dark-skinned people don’t need to wear sunscreen because they don’t burn.
Reality: It’s true that people of color have more natural melanin, which provides some protection from sun damage, but it does not block all UV rays. Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher for all skin tones to prevent hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and premature aging, including wrinkles.
Read more about debunking common myths about skin cancer.
The good news is that UV protection doesn’t require major lifestyle changes. Instead, small, consistent habits practiced daily can have a meaningful impact over time.
Some healthy habits to consider include:
The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) is a widely used guideline for evaluating moles or spots that may need further assessment. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, be sure to have them checked by your primary care physician or a dermatologist. They can determine if further testing or treatment is necessary.
Being proactive about protecting your skin is your best defense against skin cancer. However, if skin cancer is diagnosed, treatment options are available at Virginia Oncology Associates.
We provide comprehensive care for patients throughout Hampton Roads and Eastern North Carolina. If you were diagnosed with skin cancer, our specialists will guide you through a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
To learn more about your options, request an initial consultation or a second opinion at one of our cancer centers in Hampton Roads or Eastern North Carolina. Virginia Oncology Associates is located in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg, Chesapeake, Suffolk (Obici and Harbour View), and Elizabeth City, NC.