Although getting outside and staying active is good for your health, it’s important to be careful of long-term sun exposure. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Luckily, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.

Types of Sunscreen

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays can pass through windows or glass and prematurely age the skin, while UVB rays are known to cause sunburns but cannot pass through windows or glass. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin damage and skin cancer, so blocking both is essential.

A sunscreen’s SPF count indicates how long your skin is protected against UV radiation. The AAD recommends using a water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. An SPF of 30 means it would take 30 times longer for skin to burn while wearing sunscreen than without sunscreen. And while SPF 30 protects your skin against roughly 97 percent of the sun’s harmful rays, SPFs of 50 and 100 filter out 98 and 99 percent of rays, respectively.

The AAD does not recommend a specific type of sunscreen over another. Any sunscreen you use properly and consistently is recommended, so it’s best to find one that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Some of the most popular types include:

• Cream/Lotion: Cream sunscreens are great for dry skin, the face, and large areas of the body.
• Gel: Gel sunscreens work well on areas like the scalp, as they are generally thin in texture and spread easily.
• Stick: Sunscreen sticks are great for around the eyes and other small areas on the face. They are also helpful when traveling, as they are compact and often not measured in liquid ounces.
• Spray: The FDA continues to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of spray sunscreens, as it is hard to determine if all areas of the skin are covered with each application. With thorough application, spray sunscreens are suitable for the body and are helpful for small children, but it is important to apply multiple layers.
• Cosmetic: Makeup products that include SPF protection are great to use in your daily routine but must be applied generously and reapplied often to maintain effectiveness. Lip products with SPF, such as balms, glosses, and lipsticks, can protect your lips from the sun.

Proper Use of Sunscreen

Sunscreen is most protective when applied 30 minutes before going outdoors and should be reapplied at least every two hours, but even more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. When applying, you should cover all visible parts of your body, including your feet, neck, ears, and scalp. The AAD recommends applying approximately one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen to your body each time you apply, including when using spray sunscreen.

You should also pay attention to the expiration date on your sunscreen and stop using the product if it is out of date. Using expired sunscreen can decrease your level of protection, as the expired ingredients may stop working as intended and can break down. If no date is provided on the bottle, a general rule of thumb is to discard sunscreen three years after purchase.

Preventing Skin Cancer

For the best protection, sunscreen should be used in addition to things like staying indoors or under shade between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm when the sun is the strongest. Even if you do not burn easily, you should still wear sunscreen and minimize your exposure to the sun. Its harmful rays can damage your skin without any outward warning signs, and it may be too late before you notice serious consequences.

Other protection options to consider include:

Sun Protective Clothing

Long-sleeved shirts and pants in densely woven fabrics and dark colors are best, but when these fabrics get wet, the level of sun protection can be reduced dramatically. One solution is to wear clothing with UV filters (look for UPF50+) incorporated directly into the fabric. This clothing will not lose its sun protection even when wet and offers a terrific option for swimming and outdoor exercise.

Grab a Hat

A hat with a brim that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck provides a nearly effortless way to protect yourself from the sun. This is particularly important as skin cancer on the scalp and neck can be more serious. While a baseball cap will only protect your scalp and nose, a brim of at least 3 inches around the hat will also protect your ears, cheeks, and neck.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are an important way to protect your eyes from UV radiation, which can cause not only cancers of the eyelids and eyes but also cataracts, macular degeneration, and keratitis. Check the label on your sunglasses to ensure that they absorb or block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB light. Lenses large enough to cover the skin surrounding the eye and eyelids, particularly with a wraparound style, are ideal.

Follow this advice, and you will be well on your way to a safe summer in the sun!

This article was reviewed by Dr. Jack Krushell, Atrius Health Chief of Dermatology.