You’re Probably Not Using Sunscreen Correctly, Here’s 12 Tips To Decrease Your Risk Of Skin Cancer

woman applying sunscreen

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Summer is nearly upon us so let’s get some tips on sunscreen that can cut your risks of skin cancer. Did you know that more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined? And that you have a 1 in 5 chance of developing skin cancer by the age of 70? There is one way to definitely decrease your odds of getting skin cancer and it not only using sunscreen, by using it properly. Unfortunately, you probably aren’t protecting yourself correctly, but here are some tips to ensure that you are keeping yourself safe.

  • You should choose an SPF of 30 or higher, that is water resistant
  • Super-high-SPF sunscreens with levels above 50 aren’t necessary, but it also doesn’t hurt
  • You should select a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage that protects you from UVA and UVB rays
  • Put on your sunscreen before you go outdoors because it takes about 15 minutes for your skin to absorb it
  • You’re supposed to use 2mg of sunscreen per square centimeter of exposed skin, which means a full shot glass of sunscreen for your entire body
  • If you don’t use enough sunscreen your SPF protection is lower than what you’re using
  • Use sunscreen lotions instead of sprays because much of the spray goes into the air and not your skin
  • Don’t forget to protect your neck, ears, hard-to-reach parts of your back, and top of your feet
  • Protect your lips with a lip balm of an SPF of at least 15
  • Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours because after that time period it is no longer as effective
  • Don’t just apply sunscreen when you’re going to the beach, use it whenever you are in direct sunlight, that means walks, jogs, even your arm hanging outside your car window
  • You only need approximately 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, so you’re not denying yourself Vitamin D by applying sunscreen daily

Skin cancer is arguably the most preventable cancer, so follow these easy steps to decrease your risk.

[AADA/AylaBeauty/BI]