Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and 6 Other Celebrities Who Avoid the Sun

More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than every other cancer combined, and sun and UV exposure is the number one cause. That's why it's time to say goodbye to harmful sun damage and hello to sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen. The following celebrities have opened up about what they do to avoid the sun and why. Hint: Wrinkles are a major part of it. Plus, we asked David Peng, M.D., M.P.H., chair and professor of clinical dermatology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, to debunk myths about sunscreen and get helpful tips on how to protect your skin.

Victoria’s Secret angel Rosie Huntington-Whitely admitted that staying of out the sun is a necessary sacrifice she makes for flawless skin. “I'm English, so I love to get some sun and love a bit of tanned skin, but I can see it now the older the get after I come back from holiday, I can see the effects it has on my skin and it's not so good after the tan fades," she told W Magazine. "So just choosing those times really carefully when you do want to be exposed to the sun, and making sure you are wearing SPF everyday, and a hat and sunglasses."

UP NEXT: Why this actor wants you to wear sunscreen.

Hugh Jackman has battled skin cancer six times, and since then he's used his experiences to send a message to his fans. “An example of what happens when you don’t wear sunscreen. Basal Cell,” he captioned one 2016 post-operative snap. “The mildest form of cancer but serious, nonetheless. PLEASE USE SUNSCREEN and get regular check-ups.” According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer that’s found and removed early is almost always curable. On top of scheduling check-ups, you can do self-examinations about once a month to increase your chance of early detection as much as possible.

UP NEXT: We find out why this actor avoids certain sunscreens.

Tracee Ellis Ross’ love for her favorite sunscreen, Epicuren X-Treme Cream Propolis, is down to aesthetics. “It looks natural,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. “Some sunscreens are not great if you’re a person of color.” Dr. Peng tells LIVESTRONG.COM the difference is ingredients: Opaque sunscreens are physical blockers, containing ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which reflect UV light away from skin. Chemical blockers tend to go on clear and absorb the light, and people are more likely to be allergic to them.

UP NEXT: This famous blonde is mildly obsessed with sunscreen.

Charlize Theron has said multiple times the most essential piece to her anti-aging routine is sunscreen. “I don’t go out of my house a day without sunblock. I stash it in my car. I put it on my hands when I’m driving. I am a sunblock fanatic,” she told InStyle. According to Dr. Peng, there are two types of ultraviolet light linked to skin cancer: UVA and UVB. UVB causes sunburns, and UVA produces wrinkles. To keep skin safe from the sun, Dr. Peng says to choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum,” which means it protects skin from both UVB and UVA.

UP NEXT: This babe was generous with the sunscreen while shooting shirtless at the beach.

Zac Efron spent a lot of time in the sun while filming “Baywatch,” and always wore sunblock. “I think sunscreen is super important. We were in the sun a lot; it was super hot,” he told Refinery29. “Wear sunscreen every day, please. No amount of sun is safe, in my opinion.” Some of Dr. Peng’s patients voiced concern that wearing sunblock prevents the production of vitamin D. Though sunscreen does reduce vitamin D production, Dr. Peng says that a stroll outside, slathered in sunscreen, is all the sun you need.

UP NEXT: This action star watched her fitness-loving parents struggle with skin cancer.

Sigourney Weaver uses sunscreen daily after witnessing her parents’ struggle with skin cancer. "Although they’d been very active and taken good care of themselves, they both suffered from skin cancer several times,” she told the Daily Mail. While avoiding the sun is best, Dr. Peng notes that spending time outside is essential to our health and happiness. So he recommends seeking shade, wearing long-sleeve clothing, a hat and of course, applying SPF 30.

UP NEXT: This glamorous actor believes that the simple things make the biggest difference in her beauty routine.

At 53 years old, Brooke Shields is still one of everyone’s biggest girl crushes. Though she practices a cleansing and moisturizing routine, the actor knows sun protection is key. “My husband perpetually makes fun of me about my creams and my jars and potions and lotions, but it’s simpler than anyone makes it: Clean, tone, keep yourself moisturized,” she told Health. “The rest is internal: Protect yourself from the sun and drink water.”

UP NEXT: This “Ocean’s 8” star uses multiple tactics to keep sun exposure at bay.

Anne Hathaway opened up about important lessons she learned from her mother during an interview with The Sun, including a lifelong obsession with sunscreen. “My mom had some skin issues, and my grandmother had skin cancer. So she has taught me to wear factor 30 sun cream every day,” Hathaway said. “I even carry an umbrella if I walk in the sunshine and use spray tan if I need to look as if I’ve been sunbathing.”

What do you do to protect your skin from the sun? What’s your favorite sunscreen to use and why? Share in the comments section!