If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection from UV rays. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside-even when you’re in the shade. You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter.
How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun Shade If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun. The UV Index external icon forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. external icon You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun. Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. This video explains how to protect your skin from the sun. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.