OBJECTIVES: Actinic keratoses are common dysplastic epidermal lesions which occur in pale-skinned individuals who are chronically exposed to intense sunlight. It is one of the most commonly treated skin conditions. The objective of this research is to describe the Brazilian profile of solar exposition and the sunscreening agents use in patients with AK. METHODS: A two months health survey was performed in São Paulo city in which 10 dermatologists registered the profile of solar exposition and the sunscreening agents use of a sample of patients with AK. RESULTS: Of a total of 4961 patients, 269 (5,4%) patients were diagnosed with AK of which 58% were females. The mean age of the patients was 65 years old. Before AK diagnosis 91% of the patients exposed themselves to the sun mainly for leisure during weekends and only 26% used sunscreening agents. After AK diagnosis 43% of the patients still had the habit of solar exposition, however 78% uses sunscreening agents. The sun protection factor (SPF) most used before of the diagnosis was SPF15 (44%) and SPF30 (38%), changing to SPF30 (40%) and SPF60 (33%) after the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This data suggest that the São Paulo city population with actinic keratosis presents the habit of leisure solar exposition with insufficient use of sunscreening agents. The use of sunscreening agents increases after the diagnosis of the disease.