It may be tempting to take the dog for a walk around the block or visit your favorite outdoor restaurant without layering on the sunblock. Yet, this important step in your daily summer routine does more than prevent sunburns. Using a sunscreen with the appropriate SPF also reduces your risk of developing skin cancer and helps combat early signs of skin aging.
Who Should Use Sunscreen?
Regardless of your age, gender or ethnicity, applying sunscreen when heading outdoors is a must. Even if you rarely experience sunburns, exposing unprotected skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays actually increases your risk for skin cancer.
What Type of Sunscreen Is Recommended?
According to recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology, you should always use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
When Should Sunscreen Be Used?
Never leave the house without your best accessory – sunscreen. No matter the time of year and even on cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays can harm skin. For this reason, it’s vital to apply sunblock any time you plan on spending time outdoors – especially when you’re near water, snow or sand, because of their reflective capabilities.
How Often Should Sunscreen Be Applied?
The general rule of thumb for sunscreen application is once every two hours. Sunblock should also be reapplied after swimming or sweating, or as instructed by the bottle’s directions.
What Other Ways Can Skin Be Protected?
In addition to wearing an SPF 30 sunscreen, it’s important to stay out of the sun when its rays are strongest, usually between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. When appropriate, you should aim to wear protective clothing, such as sunglasses, a hat, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Lastly, you should avoid tanning beds entirely, as their ultraviolet light can lead to skin cancer and early signs of skin aging.
Practice Sun Safety this Summer
Whenever spending time in the great outdoors, make sure to apply and reapply sunblock as directed by your primary care physician. Start your summer off right – contact the Carthage Family Health Center at 315-493-4187 or the Philadelphia Medical Center at 315-642-0026 to book an appointment.