With summer officially here, sunshine (and vitamin D) is in full effect! However, with added sun exposure comes increased risk of skin health concerns. According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The main reason for this is due to the ultraviolet light that we can be overexposed to. Therefore, there is great importance to apply sunscreen every day.

Why is sunscreen important?

1) Decreases your chances from getting skin cancer. Experts suggest daily use of SPF 15 can help reduce developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40 percent and melanoma by 50 percent.
2) Prevents premature skin aging including: wrinkles, age spots and sagging.

What Does the SPF Number Mean?

This number states how long the UV radiation from the sun would take to burn your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any activity outside. It is crucial to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and to reapply every two hours, as well as right away after swimming or excessively sweating.

How dangerous is UV radiation?

The sun’s energy reaches the earth as visible, infrared and ultraviolet rays.

• UVB rays cause a much greater risk of skin cancer than UVA. This is what SPF focuses on protecting you from.
• UVA rays cause aging, wrinkling, and loss of elasticity.
• UVA also increases the damaging effects of UVB, including skin cancer and cataracts.

How to protect yourself from the sun?

The best way to protect yourself is to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun. However, the American Academy of Dermatology released a series of tips to help reduce the risk of getting sunburnt:

• Wear protective clothing whenever possible. This including pants, long sleeves and sunglasses.
• The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10am and 4pm. Seeking shade can help minimize exposure.
• When near water, snow or sand, it is important to be extra cautious due to their reflective properties.
• Remember to protect your lips as well. Most people overlook this part of the body.

What type of sunscreen should you use?

One could become confused with the variety of SPF options and levels available in the market. It is recommended that the sunscreen you prefer, is the best one to use. You must make sure, however, that it offers broad spectrum protections, the SPF is 30+ and that it is water resistant.