Any amount of sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Make sure you apply sunscreen anytime you are doing an outdoor activity.
- Get ready to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside. If you wait until you are outside, then you will be unprotected -- as it takes time for sunscreen to work. If you apply sunscreen before you go outside, you can also do it before you get dressed, being sure to get all areas of the body that might be exposed to the sun.
- Be prepared to apply a generous layer of sunscreen all over. In general, people often don't apply enough sunscreen.
- Start with one body part, such as an arm, and apply a thick layer of sunscreen all over, rubbing it in thoroughly (or spraying it on) before moving on to another area.
- Go from area to area, being sure to include the back of the neck, shoulders, ears, feet and the back of the arms and legs. Use the same system each time you put sunscreen on, that way you will be unlikely to make a mistake and miss an area.
- Re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating.
Tips:
- Choose a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, is water resistant, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
- Don't forget to apply sunscreen every day that you are going outside, even when it is cloudy, since you can get a sunburn even when it isn't very sunny.
- As a general rule, a handful of sunscreen should be the right amount to cover.
- Choose a form of sunscreen that you are most likely to use, whether that means it is a gel, lotion, spray, continuous spray, etc.
- Even when using sunscreen or sunblock, try to avoid or limit sun exposure when the sun is at its strongest, from about 10 a.m. to 4p.m.
What You Need:
- A broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to 30.