It’s vital to wear sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. Regular use of sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer, which is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. When applying sunscreen, look for products with a minimum SPF of 30, which provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can lead to premature aging and skin damage, while UVB rays can cause sunburns. Depending on your skin type and tone, you may need to use different types of sunscreen to provide sufficient sun protection. Regardless of your skin type, always apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours. Remember, using a sunscreen every day is a simple yet effective way to protect your skin from sun damage and minimize your risk of developing skin cancer.

You may think the damaging effects of a sunburn go away once the redness fades, but that is not the case. Ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin deep into its layers, where cells can be damaged and even killed. Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. You can see sunlight or feel the heat, but you can’t see or feel UV radiation. Sunburn is a radiation burn to the skin. The long terms effects of sunburn won’t just leave you with wrinkles but also the risk of skin cancer. This includes melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin. Melanoma can develop anywhere in your body. It most often develops in areas that have had exposure to the sun, such as your back, legs, arms, and face. Melanomas can also occur in areas that don’t receive much sun exposure, such as the soles of your feet, palms of your hands, and fingernail beds. These hidden melanomas are more common in people with darker skin, which is why you should wear sunscreen every day no matter your skin type.

Besides just wearing sunscreen every day, here are some other ways you can prevent your risk of skin cancer and aging appearance:

1. Wear protective clothing along with your sunscreen. Try to cover your arms and legs as best as you can. Also, wear a hat and sunglasses.
2. Avoid the sun during the middle of the day. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoiding the sun at its strongest helps prevent sunburns that cause skin damage.
3. Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds increase your risk of skin cancer.
4. Become familiar with your skin so you notice changes. Examine your skin often for new skin growths in existing moles, freckles, bumps, and birthmarks.

Hopefully, you are now convinced to wear sunscreen year-round. Protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays should always be your priority. It may seem like an inconvenience to worry about your exposure to the sun every day, but in the long run, it will all be worth it. Dr. Kurzman has his very own broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 50+ and he can recommend the perfect skincare regimen just for you. Enjoy the outdoors, but don’t forget your sunscreen!