It’s hot. It’s sunny. And most of us love it! We spend a lot of time outdoors, enjoying the sports we love, cooling off by the pool and vacationing on the beach. Today however, we know that too much sun can be bad for us, and more cases of skin cancer are popping up each year, with one of the latest statistics indicating there will be about 3.5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed this year alone.
Here are some tips published from CNN about sunscreen usage and staying healthy while still enjoying some much needed Vitamin D:
- Find a sunscreen you love. If you love the smell of it, the consistency, and how it makes your skin feel, you’ll be most likely to use it.
- Skip the SPF 15 and slather on at least 30. If you have a history of cancer in your family, go even higher (50+) to get the best protection.
- Check your labels for “broad spectrum”. That’s the “top-notch” UVA coverage and will block out the rays the best.
- Don’t skimp. By layering on the sunscreen, including your body from head to toe, you’ll be amazed at how successful you’ll be at keeping you and your loved ones safe from too much sun exposure and sunburn. It’s also important to re-apply after 1 ½ – 2 hours – and even more often if swimming.
- Seek the shade. Sun shirts, hats, and an umbrella are also key components when protecting your skin from too much sun.
It’s never too late to start being “sun smart”. Most of the reasons we age in appearance is due to too much sun damage, and as we get older our skin doesn’t repair itself quite as well. By wearing sunscreen and limiting your exposure to the sun’s rays, you’ll be amazed at how much better your skin will look in the long run.