Reapply, reapply, reapply — and 4 More Ways to Protect Your Skin

The sun’s UV rays can cause skin damage at any time — but during the warmer months when kids and adults alike spend hours outdoors, the risk of sunburns run especially high.

But sunburns can be harmful to your health. A person’s risk of melanoma (a dangerous form of skin cancer) doubles if she or he has had 5 or more sunburns.

Protect your skin this summer with 5 easy steps:

1. 15 minutes before going outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
2. Reapply sunscreen every two hours (or immediately after you swim) when you’re outside.
3. Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4. Don’t forget to wear a hat, clothes that cover your arms and legs, and sunglasses!
5. Check your skin every day. Tell your doctor about any changes in moles or the appearance of new ones.

Posted by Jenn Kauffman

on May 21, 2014