Do you stop wearing sunscreen when Fall rolls around? Wearing sunscreen isn’t just necessary in those hot summer months, it should be a vital part of your skincare routine all year long. Here are some reasons why you should be wearing sunscreen, even when the weather cools off.
Why is sunscreen important?
It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Sunscreen is your first line of defense in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of age, gender or race so it’s important that everyone in the family is wearing it.
When should I wear sunscreen?
Any time you go outside, you should be wearing sunscreen. Yes, even on cloudy days up to 80 percent of the sun’s damaging UV rays can reach your skin. Also, if you find yourself near snow, sand, or water, your risk increases because those substances reflect the sun’s rays. It’s best to apply sunscreen to dry skin about 15 minutes before you head outdoors. When you are outdoors, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
How much sunscreen should I use?
Most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. You need to wear enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. For most adults, that means about 1 ounce to fully cover their body. Some commonly skipped over areas include tops of your feet, your neck, your ears, and the top of your head. Another area you might forget to cover is your lips. Look for a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
What should I look for in a sunscreen?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, everyone should be using sunscreen that offers the following:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Water resistance
- Broad-spectrum protection (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays)
When it comes to the kind of sunscreen you use though, that’s up to you. Lotions, creams, gels, sprays, sticks, and ointments are all equally effective. The most important thing is finding a type that you will use consistently, every day.
If you have more questions about sunscreen use or any other skin questions, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (480) 610-6366 today.
