Sun avoidance: Seeking shade, minimizing outdoor activities between 10 AM and 4 PM (when sun's rays are strongest), and avoiding sunbathing and the use of tanning beds Use of protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and broad-brimmed hats Use of sunscreen: At least sun protection factor (SPF) 30 with broad-spectrum UVA / UVB protection, used as directed (ie, reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating); should not be used to prolong sun exposure Key Points Basal cell carcinomas, the most common skin cancers, are particularly common among fair-skinned people on sun-exposed skin.