Sunscreen Application Tips
If you are celebrating the 4th of July in the sunshine like we are, make sure you remember to protect your skin from the Sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays to help reduce your risk of the most common cancer in the United States, skin cancer. In addition to physical shade and covering your skin, sunscreen is an important aspect of sun protection.
Here are some sunscreen tips:
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure it is water resistant and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Other types of sunscreen may help prevent sunburn, but they will not protect against skin cancer.
Use a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Apply at least 1 ounce of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. One ounce is enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass.
Reapply sunscreen to your entire body every 2 hours. Reapply every hour if you are swimming or sweating.
Sunscreen creams are better for dry skin. Gels are better for the scalp or hairy areas.
Wear sunscreen year round whenever you are outside.
Do not use sunscreens that have expired.