Sun protection after skin cancer
Sun protection is more than sunscreen. The best strategy combines behaviour, clothing, shade and a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Sun, UV and vitamin D
Why vitamin D is not a reason to accept sunburn or unrestricted tanning.
Four layers of protection
Reduce intense direct UV exposure.
Hat, sunglasses, protective clothing or UPF fabrics.
Use enough and reapply to exposed skin.
Artificial UV is not a safe alternative.
Which SPF
A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is a practical choice for exposed skin. Amount, reapplication and physical protection matter as much as the number on the label.
Scars
Once fully healed, new scars are prone to pigment change from UV exposure and should be protected during maturation.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D status and supplementation can be addressed separately. Deliberate sunburn is not a treatment for vitamin D deficiency.