You’ve heard it a million times by now – you’ve got to wear sunscreen every single day on any exposed skin. Beyond that, you have to reapply it every couple of hours. You know all that, but there are some new sun protection rules that experts want you to know about as well. Knowing how to protect your skin from the sun helps prevent the signs of aging, but more importantly, it can fight skin cancer and even save your life. Here are ways to take to sun protection to the next level.
1 Look for Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
The SPF on your sunscreen is an important thing to consider because it’s what will offer you protection. However, you also need to make sure you are choosing broad spectrum sunscreen, which ensures that you are being protected from both UVA and UVB rays, which saves you from cancer and the signs of aging.
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2 Add Some Sun Protective Clothing to Your Closet
Staying covered when you’re out in the sun is a great way to protect your skin from damaging rays. Lightweight clothing is a fine choice, but you’re way better off with sun protective clothing. These garments are made with material that blocks the sun’s rays and protects your body. There are plenty of stylish options out there so you can stay safe and look great at the same time.
3 You Need Sunscreen Every Day, Even in the Winter
Like I said before, you should be wearing sunscreen every day, not just at the pool or beach. The truth is that your lunchtime walk, driving your car and sitting by the window at work all expose you to the sun’s ray. Wearing sunscreen on any exposed skin on a daily basis ramps up your protection levels.
4 Never, Ever Go to the Tanning Bed
Whether you’ve ever set foot into a tanning salon or not, now is the time to quit. You should never, ever see the inside of a tanning booth again in your life. Ever. Tanning booths increase the risk of cancer by a highly significant amount so it’s time to quit once and for all. A base tan is unhealthy so don’t fall for it.
5 Pay Close Attention when Apply Sunscreen
Besides reapplying sunscreen every 90 minutes or so, it’s also vital to make sure you are getting all those hard to reach places. You need to make sure you are putting sunscreen in the part of your hair, between your toes and all over your back and shoulders. Cover your ears too. Missing the same spot all the time can lead to skin cancer and even death.
6 Your Sunscreen Shouldn’t Last That Long
According to the experts, an 8-ounce bottle of sunscreen should only last 8 days or so. When you apply, you need about a shot glass full for your entire body. At the same time, if you find a bottle of sunscreen from last summer, toss it out because this stuff does expire and you won’t get the right amount of protection when you use it.
7 Do a Skin Check Yourself Instead of Relying on Your Dermatologist
Yes, you should go in and get a professional skin check at least once a year. A trained doctor can watch out for lesions or spots that could be worrisome. Besides going in once a year, you should also be checking your own skin from time to time. Experts suggest doing a monthly self-exam and keep your eyes open for changes. If you see anything, make an appointment to be seen right away.
Which of these things are you already doing? Which do you need to be better about?
