Summertime brings warmer weather, which often means more time spent outdoors, putting us at risk for sun damage. Sun damage can range from sunburns to aging and skin cancer. It is important to protect yourself from the sun’s rays whenever you are exposed, including cloudy days or in the winter.
Utilize these 5 tips in order to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.
1. Use a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Make sure the sunscreen you use is broad spectrum which means it will protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to aging and UVB rays contribute to burning. You may be utilizing a sunscreen that is protecting you from burns, but not the rays that contribute to aging.
2. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure
If you wait to apply sunscreen once you are exposed your skin is not protected. It takes 15 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into the skin and provide protection
3. Use a minimum SPF 30
There isn’t much difference between spf 30 and spf 100, so be sure to recognize the limits of sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
4. Protect your scalp and lips
Be sure to protect your lips with a chap stick with a minimum of SPF 15. Don’t forget to add sunscreen to exposed areas on your scalp or utilize a hat to shade you from the sun.
5. Get your skin checked regularly
If you have fair skin, are exposed to the sun often (even just from driving) or have a family history of skin cancer, you may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Get to know your body and any moles that are present, which will allow you to recognize changes in your skin. and be sure to see a dermatologist for regular skin checks. Visit aad.org to find a dermatologist near you.