Access keys

Skip navigation

Regional Medical Physics Department

www.rmpd.org.uk

You are here: Home > Abstracts > Photomedicine > How much sun protection do we need?

How much sun protection do we need?

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exhibits a number of effects on skin, both beneficial and undesirable. The purpose of sun protection should be to minimise the likelihood of adverse effects without undue detriment to the beneficial effects. A strategy is proposed for a rational approach to suncare for people living in countries not known for their sunny climate, which is:

• No need for UV protection in autumn and winter (October through to March in the northern hemisphere)
• Daily skincare (incorporating UV filters SPF 8-15) in spring and summer (April through to September)
• Suncare (SPF>30) on sunny holidays and long periods outdoors on summer weekends.

Adoption of this strategy should lead to the following outcomes:

• Prevention of sunburn
• Give about the same lifetime UV exposure as a 35 year old using no sun protection
• Reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer by at least 5-fold relative to a non-user of sunscreen
• Delay the signs of photoageing
• ensure a moderate exposure to sunshine, especially in late summer and early autumn, to maintain vitamin D status during the winter months.

Publication

Diffey BL. How much sun protection do we need? SOFW Journal 2002; 128: 2-8.

Top of page

Quick Site Search

Advanced search

Related Links

We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here

NHS Direct

NHS.uk