The sun is shining brightly up there and that season is here when you need to be extra cautious before stepping out in the sun. If you do not apply sunscreen you could do a lot of damage to the DNA of the skin cells. This is because if you do not take the preventive measures, you could get a deadly skin cancer.
According to the Skin Care Foundation, melanoma is known to kill more than 10,000 people in America in a year.[1] These cancers could develop from basking in the sun and lounging on tanning beds. If you really indulge a lot in these activities, you may set yourself up for cancerous moles. And, if it is not treated on time, it will spread to other body parts, making it all the more difficult to control.
So, it will be helpful to put on some sunscreen if you are spending some time in the sun. This has to be taken care of, particularly during summers, when there is a rise in the UV index and sun becomes more evident.[2]
Sunscreen SPF works for 2 hours after its application. John Zampella, dermatologist at NYU Health, says that when we mention applying sunscreen after every 2 hours, we reach at that number according to how testing of SPF is done. He adds that the number of the SPF is based on the amount of protection you will get with the usage of the sunscreen from the sun for the duration of 2 hours.
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When you are on the beach or enjoying a ball game in the sun, you must apply it at every two hours. Let us understand this in more detail. For example, if you have applied SPF 50 at 10 in the morning, by noon, you may be getting some protection, but the SPF number 50 is not correct. You may be getting SPF 10 by that time.
For Complete Protection, Use At least SPF 30
This is what is suggested by the American Academy of Dermatologists.[3] For most people, this SPF number gives enough protection to fight against the damages from the UVB rays, which cause burns; whether you are at a golf course or a beach.
People, who are sensitive and have fair skin, can opt for SPF 50, so that they can get extra protection. However, some experts say that SPF more than 50 give only minimum benefits. Thus, it is also important to reapply sunscreen in some areas of skin and body that are more prone to burns and developing cancer. This includes nose, cheeks, forehead and ears.
Carry a bottle of sunscreen during the daytime wherever you go. When you spend the entire day outside or at a beach, try to apply it at every two hours.
Make It a Habit to Apply Sunscreen
It should be made a component of your morning routine like as regular as brushing your teeth. If you do it regularly there would be more chances that the practice won’t irritate you and you would not forget to do it. Experts agree that making it a habit will give you results as far as antiaging and skin care and protection is concerned.
Women should be more attentive of their chest and men should be careful about the top of the head. Women should prevent the “V” of the chest from getting sun burnt. This is because this damage is difficult to reverse even with lasers.
Moreover, men, who have lost hair should apply sunscreen liberally all over their head and neck and should wear a hat as well. Skin cancer develops on the scalp in many cases.
After application of sunscreen, you can enjoy some sun. Research says that having sunshine regularly in moderation can good for your mood and bone health.