With the summer months rolling in many people will start to find themselves outside more often than before. Whether it is the beach, park, or a cookout being outside is the only place you should be while summer is in session.  However those same people should be making sure they're properly using sunscreen to protect against the sun’s harsh rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology “one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime” the majority due to skin damage.  So, how can you stay safe from the sun’s deadly sun rays? Sunscreen.

The American Cancer Society has dubbed this Friday as 'No Fry Day' and is encouraging people to take steps to prevent sunburn. (George Doyle, ThinkStock)
The American Cancer Society has dubbed this Friday as 'No Fry Day' and is encouraging people to take steps to prevent sunburn. (George Doyle, ThinkStock)
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    Sunscreen needs to be applied 15 minutes before an individual is exposed to the sun and that can be going to the beach, park, or simply outside for long periods of time.

     

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    Sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours for optimal protection especially during the sun’s peaking hours (hottest time during the day) which is 10am to 2pm according to playground safety.org

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    Make sure you put sunscreen on the most ignored areas on your body. Every part of your body needs coverage and forgetting any section can increase your chances of getting skin cancer.

    • Ears: which according to The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, makes up about 80 percent of the 1.3 million new cases of non-melanoma (less-aggressive) skin cancer.
    • Eyelids: Because you don’t want to risk getting sunscreen in your eyes it might be a good idea to use an eye cream or moisturizer with SPF.
    • Scalp: Now I know putting sunscreen on your scalp isn't the best fashion statement you could make. However finding a hair moisturizer or hair spray that has SPF in it can help add protection to an exposed scalp.
    • Back of Hands or Top of Feet: These areas although very noticeable are some how always ignored. But before putting on your shoes or when you take them off just put some sunscreen on. When you’re finishing applying it to your body rub some on the back of your hands to protect from the suns UV rays.
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    Finally anyone can get sunburned no matter how dark or how light your skin complexion seems to be. It might be a longer or shorter time period before the sun affects you, but eventually sun damage will happen.  Don't think you're too cool for sunscreen because skin damage or potential skin cancer…isn’t cool for anyone.

     

    For more information on the use and importance of Sunscreen please visit American Academy of Dermatology. 

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