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    • 2 min read

SUN PROTECTION BASICS

Why is this important?

  1. Skin cancer prevention. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Sun protection significantly reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. While preventing sunburns is important, daily sun exposure that causes tanned skin can also lead to skin cancer.

  2. Premature skin aging. Sun protection helps to prevent wrinkles and “age” spots also known as sun spots or liver spots.

 

When should I protect myself?

Everyday! 365 days per year, regardless of the weather or season.


The sun’s rays can penetrate through clouds and the regular glass windows of homes and automobiles. For example, sun exposure accumulates while driving to work or walking into the grocery store.


 

How should I protect myself?


Sun Avoidance

  • Avoid peak hours. The sun’s rays are most intense between 10 am and 2 pm.

  • Do NOT use indoor tanning beds. Using tanning beds can increase your risk of melanoma by nearly 60%, and the risk increases with each tanning bed session.

Protective Clothing

  • Wide-brimmed hats provide more protection than ball caps.

  • Sunglasses

  • Long-sleeves & pants including rash-guards for beach/outdoor swimming activities.

  • Consider UPF rated “sun-protective clothing”. Brands include: Coolibar and UV Skinz


Image of woman wearing hat and long sleeved clothes by the sea
Wide brim hats and long sleeved clothes can protect your skin from sun damage

Sunscreen

Choosing a Sunscreen / Three main requirements:

  • SPF 30 (if darker skin type) -or- SPF 50 (if lighter skin type or history of skin cancer)

  • “Broad-spectrum” coverage (UVA/UVB protection)

  • Water-resistant

Avoid sprays. While convenient, sprays may not provide uniform sun protection.


Image of a person applying sunscreen on hand
Regularly apply dermatologist approved sunscreens

Recommended products


Face

  • CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Mineral Face

  • Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin

  • Cotz Prime & Protect tinted ($, online) Bare Republic Mineral

  • La-Roche Posay Antihelios Mineral ($, drugstore)

  • Elta MD “Elements” or “Physical” ($, online)

Body

  • Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch

  • CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Mineral Body

  • Bare Republic Mineral

Applying Sunscreen

  • Apply generously. Most adults need at least one palm-full of sunscreen to cover their exposed skin.

  • Apply to all exposed skin. Don’t forget your scalp (if you have thinning hair), neck, ears, lips, the back of your hands & the top of your feet.

  • Reapply frequently, every 2 hours &/or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.


Image of person applying sunscreen on the back of a man
A day at the beach = sunscreen
 


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