Choosing and Applying Sunscreen
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The weather is getting warmer, which means an increase in outside activities. Sunscreen is an important tool to prevent skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form.
Learn how to choose the right sunscreen for you as well as how to apply it correctly.
Choosing your sunscreen
The number of choices available for sunscreen can be overwhelming. Fortunately, what you need in an effective sunscreen is simple as long as you carefully read the labels.
Things to look for:
The label should say “broad spectrum,” meaning the sunscreen can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher. SPF 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. The highest SPF is 100 and blocks out 99% of UVB rays.
The sunscreen should be water-resistant to stay on your skin even when you swim or sweat. Sunscreens are usually water resistant for 40-80 minutes. Note the amount of time on the label and reapply when that amount of time has passed.
The sunscreen should not be expired. Check the expiration date, especially if you are using sunscreen from the previous year.
Applying the sunscreen
Sunscreen is most effective when you apply it correctly.
You must apply it BEFORE you go outdoors. Sunscreen takes about 15 minutes to absorb into your body, so your skin will be unprotected if you wait until you get outside.
Don’t skimp on how much you use. The average adult needs 1 ounce to be fully protected. That amount can fit into the palm of your hand or in a shot glass.
Cover all bare skin. Remember your neck, face, ears, legs, and the tops of your feet. If you have thinning hair, apply it to your head, or wear a hat. Use a lip balm that is at least SPF 15.
If you ever get burned, you didn’t use a high enough SPF, you didn’t use enough, you didn’t reapply it often enough, or you used an expired product.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “Five or more sunburns more than doubles your risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma.” Therefore, you should take care in choosing the right sunscreen and applying it correctly.
