Here are a few interesting facts about sunscreen use, shared by dermatologists:
Sunscreen should be part of your daily routine. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the sun’s rays can still reach your skin, for example, while you drive or sit by a window. A recent University of Washington study found that more than half of cases of melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma (two deadly types of skin cancer) occurred on the left side of the body—the side more exposed to UV light when driving.
Applying a high SPF does not mean you can spend more time in the sun. Some experts believe that higher SPF numbers, such as SPFs 75, 90, and 100, give people a false sense of security. Stick to SPF 30 and reapply at least every two hours, or more frequently if you’ve been in the water.
Don’t forget spots like ears, scalp and lips. You need to cover more than your arms, legs, chest, and back with sunscreen. Skin cancer can develop on commonly missed areas like the scalp, ear, lips, front and back of neck, backs of hands, and top of the feet.
Spray sunscreen may not be the safest option. Spray sunscreens might seem convenient, but their potential health risks still haven’t been fully investigated.
