الفهرس 
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Abstract
Excessive unprotected sun exposure has been shown to cause skin damage as well as many skin diseases. Ultraviolet radiation is the principal environmental factor responsible for altering skin homeostasis, affecting the survival, proliferation and differentiation of several cell types. Furthermore, long-term UV exposure may result in chronic skin diseases, such as hyperpigmentation (e.g., solar lentigines, ephelides, and melasma), skin aging (e.g., telangiectasias and elastosis), and skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. In recent decades, the incidence of skin cancer has increased dramatically worldwide, and reached epidemic proportions. Since 1950, the rate of skin cancer has doubled in fair-skinned populations, but the rate has remained relatively low for darker skin groups.
While climatological factors may influence the level of UVR at the earth‘s surface, it is the behavior of people outside which has the greatest impact on personal exposure to UV. Consequent efforts are being made to understand people‘s attitude and behaviors towards the sun, allowing for the development of strategies to encourage limitation of their sun exposure to acceptable values.
Sun exposure and photo protection-related behavior and knowledge are important pillars in the design of skin cancer prevention strategies. Primary skin cancer prevention strategies include increasing knowledge and awareness in individuals, changing sun protection behavior and implementing environmental policies and interventions.
Sun protection is a key primary preventive strategy against skin damage induced by sun exposure. Avoiding sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., seeking shade, using broad-spectrum sunscreen products, and wearing wide-brim hats, protective clothing, and sunglasses are the main recommendations for efficient sun protection.
Sunscreens reduce the transmission of UV radiation into the skin by reflecting, absorbing, or dispersing such emission. Thus, sunscreen is a form of safeguard against sunlight. It is estimated that the regular use of photo-protectors during childhood may reduce the incidence of skin cancer by almost 80%.