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Protecting Your Skin From the Sun

Table of Contents


Overview

Use the following tips to protect your skin from the sun. You may decrease your chances of getting skin cancer and help prevent wrinkles.

People with darker skin don't sunburn as easily. But they can still get skin cancer. It's important to use sun protection, no matter what color your skin is.

Choosing a sunscreen

If you can't avoid being in the sun, use a sunscreen to help protect your skin while you are in the sun. Sunscreens come in lotions, gels, creams, ointments, and sprays.

Here's how to choose the right sunscreen.

Preventing sun exposure in children

Start protecting your child from the sun when your child is a baby. Because children spend a lot of time outdoors playing, they get most of their lifetime sun exposure in their first 18 years.


Credits for Protecting Your Skin From the Sun

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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