Are you in the habit of putting on sunscreen before you go out, especially during the summer months? According to our resident dermatologist, it’s highly recommend that you apply sunscreen if your skin is going to be exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. More than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, and most of these cases could have been prevented simply by religiously applying sunscreen before going outdoors.
Which Brand Of Sunscreen Should You Use?
There are many excellent brands out there, but you should make sure that you buy a brand of sunscreen that provides you with Broad-spectrum protection against both harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. In addition, you should ensure that any sunscreen you purchase should have an SPF rating of 30 or greater, and be water resistant. Sunscreen is certainly an important line of defence against skin cancer, but it should not be the only thing that you do. Be sure to wear a hat, and cover up as much as possible to protect your skin from being damaged by the hot sun.
The Best Way To Use Sunscreen
When you apply sunscreen, don’t be stingy with it. Generously apply a coat to any surface of your skin that won’t be covered by your clothes. Key areas to cover are your face, ears, arms and hands because these are the most commonly exposed areas to the sun. If you want to be precise, use an ounce of sunscreen each time you go out. Most people only use a fraction of the sunscreen that they need, and as a result they put themselves at a serious risk of skin cancer. Remember that skin cancer can not only affect your skin but your lips as well, so remember to use lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen for maximum protection.
The Final Word On Using Sunscreen
While it might be a hassle to put on sunscreen each time you go out, repeated exposure to the sun can and will cause skin cancer and premature ageing to the skin. If you want to preserve the youthfulness of your skin, and avoid a life threatening case of skin cancer, then be sure to apply sunscreen and cover up as much as possible before you go out. Believe me, no one regrets putting on sunscreen but many people regret not using it until it is too late.







