July 1, 2019

With the temperature getting hotter, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing and using an appropriate sunscreen. Using broad spectrum sunscreen is your best bet due to its protection against both UVA and UVB rays. These rays cause sunburn and skin cancers so if you’re spending your time outdoors you want to be protected. Any time you’re leaving your home, put on sunscreen, especially if you have a fair complexion. The lighter your complexion, the more at risk you are for skin cancer and sunburns.

During the summer, make sure the sunscreen you’re using is at least SPF (sun protection factor) 30. If you find yourself still getting burned, move on to a higher SPF. If you’re spending a large amount of time outdoors, especially the beach, you also want to make sure to continuously reapply your sunscreen to avoid those harmful rays. Water resistant sunscreen stays on your body for longer, but you should still reapply every few hours. Physical sunscreen sits on your skin and acts as a shield from the UV rays; it’s also better for people with sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreen absorbs the UV rays, is easier to apply and does not leave a residue. Make sure you choose the proper sunscreen to avoid unwanted and preventable complications, such as burns, wrinkling or even skin cancer.