Fall and Winter
During the fall and winter months, people tend to cover exposed skin surfaces and stay indoors. There are, however, a couple of issues specific to these months:

Sun Protection: It is very important to continue to use sunscreen regularly, even when the weather is cold, cloudy, or raining/snowing. Up to 95% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds, so just because it's cloudy doesn't mean you can go without sunscreen. Many people enjoy winter activities such as skiing, riding snowmobiles, snowshoeing and more, but neglect to use sunscreen while spending time outdoors.

Reflection from the snow can provide a "double dose" of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light intensity also increases with increased altitude, so skiing on a mountaintop can increase ultraviolet intensity dramatically. Also, for those who work outdoors, sun protection is essential year-round.

Vacations: Many people enjoy mid-winter vacations to warm sunny places. It is especially important to be careful when the skin is not used to intense sun. Tanning before going on vacation is also not a good idea, since any suntan is a marker for sun damage. Lying in the shade under an umbrella will still provide the desirable warm feeling without the intense ultraviolet exposure. Don't forget your sunscreen (reapply!) and sun protective clothing.

Spring and Summer
Spring and summer, with its warm sunny days and plethora of outdoor activities means extra sun precaution.

Sun protection: Spring and summer outdoor activities need not be avoided if adequate sunscreen and sun protective clothing is worn. It is, however, wise to avoid sun exposure during the time of day when the sun's rays are most intense, from about 10:00 am to about 4:00 pm. It is also important to remember to apply sunscreen every 2 hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating excessively. For more information on sunscreens and links to websites that offer sun protective clothing.

Suntanning: It is never advisable to suntan, either by lying out in the sun or artificially through the use of tanning beds. Remember, a suntan means that the skin has been damaged by the sun. It is the skin's response to the harmful ultraviolet rays that it has been exposed to. Sunburns are even worse. It just takes one severe (blistering) sunburn in your life to significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.

In recent years, numerous products have been introduced that provide "sunless" tanning in the form of creams, lotions, sprays and more. If a "tan" color to the skin is desired, this is a better alternative than spending time in the sun without the protection of sunscreen and protective clothing or a tanning bed.

Note: Laser Hair Removal and Intense Pulsed Light Treatments cannot be performed on suntanned skin.