There are studies proving that ultraviolet rays cause burns, premature skin aging, skin cancers and cataract development, immunosuppression and activation of latent viruses. The purpose of protecting the skin from the sun; to avoid and, if possible, prevent unwanted effects caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. These undesirable effects are divided into two groups. First, the effects that occur in all people exposed to skin spots such as sunburn, photoaging, photocarcinogenesis. Second, it also includes some diseases known as photodermatoses, which affect only one-fifth of people. Since these diseases are serious diseases and must be followed by a dermatologist, they will not be mentioned here.

The most important issue is the relationship between the sun and skin cancers. There are studies showing that UVB is responsible for the development of skin cancers. The skin uses natural antioxidant enzymes to protect itself from sun damage. However, sun rays and free radical-forming agents (such as cigarettes) can overwhelm natural protection mechanisms and cause damage. For this reason, it is important to develop new methods for sun protection in the fight against skin cancers.

The most effective method of protection from the sun is to stay away from the sun. Although long-term avoidance is not possible, it is necessary to minimize this period. In fact, UVA filtered plastic window materials can be used in homes and cars. In the external environment, shadow environments formed by trees or buildings are important. However, even trees with regular distribution can only provide twice the protection. The sun protection that can be provided outdoors is related to how much of the sky a person can see. If 50% of the sky is physically closed, it provides 2 times protection, and if 90% is closed, it provides 10 times protection. Similarly, beach umbrellas and covered stadiums offer little protection. It is important not to stay outside 2-3 hours before and after (between 10-11 and 15-16 hours) when the sun is at its peak.

sun-protective clothing; It is important for protection to cover as much body area as possible with clothes, especially in the summer when the sun is intense. The most important factor in the UV protection of the garment is the frequency of the pores of the fabric. Factors such as color, thickness, type of fabric come later. Cotton fabrics have similar protection as cotton-polyester blend fabrics. Dark colors have higher protection than light colors. In addition, a protection factor of 30 or more added to the clothes is recommended for light-skinned people, especially in summer.

Of course, the most important issue is sunscreens. Continuous use of sunscreen provides a higher level of protection than intermittent use. There are many studies showing that careful and regular use of sunscreen reduces actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma and skin aging. These studies emphasize that people should use sunscreen before being exposed to the sun, apply it in sufficient thickness, and also use sunscreen repeatedly during sun exposure. Sunscreens lose their effectiveness over time as they are exposed to UV. Therefore, it should be repeated at different time intervals. The dose to increase the risk of skin cancer is much lower than the dose that causes sunburn. The fact that a person does not get sunburn does not mean that the sun's rays do not harm. Although sunscreens are considered the gold standard in sun protection; The World Health Organization recommends the use of sunscreens as a last step protection for areas of the body that cannot be protected with clothing or wide-brimmed hats.

Medications are recommended to reduce the harmful and carcinogenic effects of the sun on the skin. Most of these are experimental studies. It needs confirmation by extensive research with more patient groups. The most commonly used ones are; They are antioxidants. Antioxidants are important in neutralizing reactive oxygen radicals formed as a result of UV rays. Recent studies have shown that high-dose oral vitamins C and E increase sun tolerance. In addition, it has been observed that topically applied vitamins C and E are effective in reducing inflammation due to sunburn and preventing UV-induced immunosuppression. Exogenous vitamin C reduces UVB-induced cell death by preventing free oxygen radical formation by accumulating in keratinocytes. Physiological factors such as absorption, solubility and transport of dietary antioxidants restrict the transport of these substances to the skin. Direct application to the skin; It provides an additional advantage in terms of easy access of antioxidants to targeted skin areas that need protection. Many studies have been conducted on the topical application of Vitamin E and it has been shown that it protects the skin against UV-induced erythema, photoaging, immunosuppression, and skin cancers. In addition, a very strong synergistic effect against UV has been observed when used together with topical and systemic vitamin E. Apart from that; Olive oil has strong antioxidant properties and topical application after exposure to UVB is known to be anticarcinogenic. Insufficient absorption of topical antioxidants from the skin surface, being unstable molecules and being allergens are the factors preventing their wide use.

Vitamins, carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to play important roles in defense against UV, but the SPF thus obtained is quite low compared to topical sunscreens. Studies have shown that zinc has a protective effect against UV-induced cell damage and that oral zinc supplementation reduces UV-induced immunosuppression. Polyphenol: Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds or epicatechins. These are natural antioxidants. In addition to its antioxidant properties, green tea also has known anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects. For these reasons, green tea polyphenols have recently been used frequently in skin care products. In this way, even if different substances have been studied to reduce the damage caused by the sun and the formation of cancer, very satisfactory results have not been achieved yet. Therefore, the first priority is still protection. The prevalence of skin cancers and sun-sensitive dermatoses caused by UV has increased the importance of sun protection. In sun protection, it is important to stay away from UV radiation, increase the use of sunscreen clothing and use of sunscreens with broad spectrum UVA and UVB filters.