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Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight and tanning beds is unquestionably the major preventable cause of skin cancer, and is on the Food and Drug Administration’s list of known carcinogens. One-half of all cancers are skin cancers. UV radiation also weathers skin, and causes wrinkles and pigment changes. 

Sunlight contains heat, visible light, and ultraviolet (invisible) radiation. Ultraviolet radiation has short-wave UVB, which tends to Burn the skin, and longer-wave UVA, which Ages the skin. UVB causes more skin cancer than UVA. 

Nine Tips on how to "Practice Safe Sun"

1.  Avoid direct sunlight on your skin during peak sunlight hours (when your shadow is shorter than you are). Two-thirds of each day’s UVB radiation reaches the earth between 10 AM and 2 PM, when filtration by the atmosphere is the least. UVA radiation penetrates the atmosphere better, and is more constant over the day. The morning or evening is the best time to be outside.
2.  Cover up with loose, cool long-sleeved shirts and pants, and a hat with at least a 3-inch rim all the way around. Sunglasses that block 100% UV help protect your eyes against cataracts.
3.  Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning it screens both UVA and UVB) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 on all exposed skin, even on hazy days. Apply liberally about 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. 
4.  Sunlamps and tanning booths use UVA radiation, which tends to cause the skin to wrinkle, thin and sag prematurely. UVA does not cause as much skin cancer as UVB, but it damages the skin more deeply.
5.  Avoid long periods of direct sunlight on your skin, especially if it is unusual for you to be out that long. This type of sunlight exposure is linked more to skin cancer. Be aware of how long you are outside.
6.  Please avoid sunburn at any age. The majority of my skin cancer patients have had sunburns. Sunburn is probably the leading preventable cause of melanoma.
7.  Please keep infants under six months out of direct sun and covered by protective clothing. Apply sunscreen beginning at six months of age. 
8.  Habits acquired in childhood carry throughout life. One of the most important is sun protection. Approximately 80 percent of our lifetime sun exposure is acquired in the first 18 years.
9.  Be aware of reflected sun off snow, sand, and water.

Sunscreens
Sunscreens are important to wear, and reapply often!

Winter Exposure Risks

Snow reflects sunlight very efficiently, and you can get sunburned in winter by the combination of direct and reflected sunlight. In addition, if you happen to be skiing, sunlight in the mountains is filtered by one mile less atmosphere than in Omaha, so not using sunscreen on your skiing trip can result in a nasty sunburn.