Sun Protection Reminders Patients may not be aware of some of these facts about exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Tanning beds are not safe. Tans, including the ones produced by the UVA rays in tanning beds, cannot occur without damage to the skin.
Clothing provides only partial protection, depending on the tightness of the weave.
A typical summer T-shirt has an SPF of only 5 to 9. Topical sunscreen agents are not labeled for children under 6 months without a physician's consultation. Parents must be careful not to expose babies to the sun for periods that could cause sunburn or heat prostration.