Sunblock
The basics of sunblock
Everyone by now has probably heard that they need to apply sunblock every day to prevent skin cancer. But is this just health hype or something that needs to be taken seriously? A lot of people have misconceptions about sunblock that prevent them from taking care of their skin and their health properly. Here’s what you need to know.
Even the smallest amount of sunlight can cause damage
While doctors do recommend that you get about fifteen minutes of sun each day (to stimulate vitamin D production in the body), anything more can be asking for trouble. Even on cloudy days, harmful ultraviolet rays can get through the clouds and onto your skin if you’re not protected. Studies have shown incidental sun exposure – i.e. walking from your car into work – is when the skin can become the most damaged. This is because you are subjecting your unprotected skin to the sun over time, leading to a cumulative effect and damage.
You need a full shot of sunblock
In order to properly cover your body from the sun, you need to use approximately one shot glass full of lotion for your entire body. Many people will only focus on the parts that they can reach or that typically get burned, and this leads to less sunblock use. However, to effectively protect your skin, make sure that you are taking this full shot.
You need to reapply
Putting on sunblock in the morning will not protect you from the sun’s rays for the entire day. You need to reapply every few hours in order to maximize that protection effects. If you’re in the sun all day, try to reapply whenever you get wet or sweaty. Some experts recommend applying every few hours, though you might need application more often when you’re swimming or exercising.
Parts that you might be missing
A lot of skin cancers are creeping up on the scalp, ears, and the tops of feet. This is because most of us forget to apply sunblock to these areas. Your hairline is constantly exposed to the sun, so you especially need to have protection there. If a lotion is too much, try using a lip balm with SPF protection and then save that tube for your hair purposes only. The tops of ears as well as behind the ears are often missed so be sure to hit those areas as well.
Sunblock does expire
The best rule of thumb is to replace your sunblock every year so that its potency can be guaranteed. When sunblock bottles sit in the sit and get heated from a day at the beach, the chemicals can start to break down and become less effective. If the consistency of your sunblock ever changes, that’s a good time to change your bottle as well.
While most skin cancers are easy to treat, the best advice is to prevent them before they start. Even the smallest steps can add up to a life in the sun that doesn’t show up on your skin.
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