From the Guidelines
Yes, you can go in the sun, but you should take precautions to protect your skin. To minimize the risk of skin cancer and other harmful effects of UV radiation, it is essential to take protective measures when going out in the sun.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating, as recommended by the USPSTF 1.
- Wear protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and long-sleeved shirts when possible.
- Try to avoid peak sun hours between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV radiation is strongest, as suggested by the American Cancer Society and other organizations 1.
- Stay in the shade when available, and be especially careful if you're taking medications that increase sun sensitivity (photosensitizing drugs) such as certain antibiotics, antidepressants, or acne medications. Sun exposure without protection can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and increased risk of skin cancer, as UV radiation damages skin cells' DNA. People with fair skin, a history of skin cancer, or certain medical conditions may need to be even more vigilant about sun protection, as they are at a higher risk of skin cancer, as noted by the USPSTF 1.
From the Research
Sun Exposure and Protection
- It is possible to go in the sun, but great care must be taken to avoid sunburn and excessive exposure 2.
- The optimal time for sun exposure to synthesize vitamin D at minimal risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma is between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 3.
- Sun exposure during high ambient UVR seasons should be obtained incrementally at not more than 5-30 min a day, depending on skin type and UV index, in season-appropriate clothing and with eyes closed or protected by sunglasses that filter UVR 2.
Sunscreen Use
- Regular application of sunscreen can prevent skin cancer, particularly cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, but may not reduce the risk of basal cell carcinoma overall 4.
- The use of sunscreen is a key component of public health campaigns for skin cancer prevention, but epidemiological studies have raised doubts on its effectiveness in the general population 5.
- The overall meta-analysis did not show a significant association between skin cancer and sunscreen use, but the cumulative evidence suggests no increased risk of skin cancer related to sunscreen use 5.
- Sunscreen reduces the incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, although deriving the intended effect is contingent upon the type of sunscreen and adherence to the recommended guidelines 6.