Is sunscreen really that important? Short answer: yes, yes it is. And look, we know what you’re thinking: ugh, another “reasons why you should wear sunscreen” article. But the thing is, a lot of you aren’t wearing enough sunscreen – if at all – and it shows.
The American Cancer Society says that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is on the rise. In fact, they estimate that over 100,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, with over 7,000 people dying from it.
You guys, that’s just bananas. And while we understand that applying and reapplying sunscreen can be a bit of a pain – it allows you safely enjoy the summer without putting your health at risk.
So in honor of UV Safety Awareness Month, here’s a quick guide to summer safely.
How much sunscreen should I be using?
So if you’re anything like us, you’re taking a bath in actual sunscreen, leaving no crevice un-lathered. But for the most part, people aren’t using enough sunscreen.
“We recommend about an ounce of sunscreen to cover your entire body,” says Melissa Senese, APN, with Virtua Health. “Generally, you’ll want to reapply sunscreen about once every two hours, especially after swimming.”
What kind of sunscreen should I buy?
Not all sunscreen is created equal. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends grabbing sunscreen that provides broad protection against UVA and UVB rays. They also suggest reaching for ones that are water-resistant and at least 30 SPF or higher.
What else can I do for sun protection?
While sunscreen is a big part of the equation, you can implement some simple measures to protect your skin from the sun. Think hats, swim shirts, or even staying inside on particularly blistering days.
At the end of the day, show your skin some love. Your skin is beautiful and tans are overrated. And if you have any concerns about your skin, connect with a primary care physician at Virtua Health. They can work with you and discover the best path forward to keeping your skin as healthy as possible.
