Summer is here, and the days are warm and sunny again. But if
you’re not careful, an afternoon on the beach or in the park can lead to a case
of sunburn. And worse: Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UVA and
UVB) can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen will
offer some protection (though some researchers argue that it doesn’t prevent
melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer), but you’ve got to follow the
directions. Here’s some advice:
• Sun block, by the numbers.
Pick the right protection in the first place: A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of
15 will block about 93 percent of harmful UVB rays; SPF 50 screens out 99
percent. Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. This gives your skin
adequate time to absorb it.
• Apply sufficient amounts.
Experts advise applying at least one full ounce of sunscreen before going
out—roughly enough to fill a shot glass. Reapply your lotion every two hours,
and after swimming or exercising enough to raise a sweat. During a long day
outdoors, you should use from one-quarter to one-half of an eight-ounce bottle.
Remember to apply sunscreen to often-overlooked areas of your body like your
ears, lips, and feet.
• Minimize exposure. Think
of sunscreen as a second line of defense against sunburn and skin damage, not
your primary protection. Wear a broad hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing,
and try to avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is
strongest and the atmosphere absorbs less UV radiation than it does during the
rest of the day.
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