Prevention

Facts about Sunscreens

Everyone needs sunscreen!
Many studies have found an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
You should wear a broad-spectrum (protects again UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 all year.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. This rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on unprotected skin.

Sunscreen should be applied to exposed skin even if not going outdoors. UVA rays can penetrate window glass, leaving you prone to its damaging effects if unprotected.
Sunscreens should be applied before make-up
Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15-20 minutes BEFORE going outdoors. Apply to all exposed areas-paying particular attention to the face, ears, hands, and arms.
One ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly.
Apply a lip balm with a SPF of 30 or higher. Lips can get sunburned too.
Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours or after swimming or perspiring heavily. Even “waterproof” sunscreens need to be reapplied after swimming and toweling off.

Wear protective clothing (long-sleeve shirts, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat) when outdoors.
Seek shade. Especially during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

For more information on this and other topics, visit www.aad.org and www.skincancermohssurgery.org