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Sun and Health: Some things that you might not realise

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Sunscreens less than factor 15 do not give much protection. Always use factor 15 or above.
Sunscreens can 'go-off' and not work after a time. Therefore, do not use out of date sunscreen (see the 'use by' date on the packet). Most have a shelf-life of 2-3 years.
Some experts think that the increased use of sunscreen lotions and creams may give a false sense of security. This may encourage people to go into the sun more, and as a result, cause an increase in your risk of developing skin cancers. It has to be emphasized that sunscreen only partially protects your skin. Using sunscreen does not mean that you can sunbathe for long periods without harm. If you tan - you have done some damage to your skin.
Reflected light can damage too. On sunny days, even if you are in the shade, sun can reflect onto your skin. Sand, water, concrete, and snow are good reflectors of sunlight.
Wet clothes let through more UV light than dry clothes. Take spare clothes with you if you expect to get wet.
Clouds may give a false sense of security. Most of the UV radiation from sunshine still comes through thin cloud. Thick cloud provides some protection, but you still need protection when there is thin cloud.
Many clothes worn in hot weather (thin T-shirts etc) actually allow a lot of sunlight through. You need to wear tightly-woven clothes to protect from the suns rays. If you can see light through a fabric, damaging UV rays can get through too.
The suns rays are more powerful at higher altitudes. It may be cooler up a mountain but you will need more skin protection.
Fair-skinned people who sunburn easily are at particularly high risk of developing skin cancer and should be most careful about protecting their skin.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the skin's response to the sun's damaging rays.
Artificial tanning from sun-ray lamps and 'tanning parlours' are probably just as damaging as sunshine - so avoid them.
It's not the heat that does the damage but the UV radiation in sunlight which is present all year. You can get a lot of exposure to UV doing winter sports such as skiing as it is often done in sunny weather and at high altitudes. In particular, when out in ice and snow which reflects a lot of sunlight, wear a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses.