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Information and resources on health, beauty, and other relevant topics for women on the Treasure Coast.

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It is common knowledge that sunscreen will protect your skin from sunburn and skin cancer. Why is it, then, that many people are confused about which sunscreen to choose and when to apply it?

Here are some frequently asked questions about sunscreen:

Should I wear sunscreen?
Everyone over 6 months old should use sunscreen every day. No matter what skin type or color you have, skin cancer is a threat and wearing sunscreen can lower your risk.  Especially in Florida, everyone should wear it, even if you are not going to the beach or planning on staying outside long.

When should I wear sunscreen?
Everyday. You should wear sunscreen, even if you will be inside most of the day. It is especially important during those times when you are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays through a window (like while driving) or when you are not indoors. Apply sunscreen to your dry skin 15 minutes before sun exposure. Re-apply after swimming or a heavy sweat.

Which sunscreen should I use?
It is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology to use a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or greater, and water resistant.

I heard that sunscreen is not safe for daily use, is that true?
No scientific studies have shown that using sunscreen is hazardous to your health, however, there is plenty of scientific evidence proving that forgetting your sunscreen can put you at higher risk for skin cancer.

Are there other ways to protect myself against skin cancer?
In addition to wearing sunscreen, there are several things that one can do to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, including:

  • Wearing sun hats, sunglasses, long pants, long sleeved shirts
  • Staying in the shade, when possible between 10am and 2pm
  • Using extra protection when near water, snow, or sand, when UV rays are reflected and exposure is increased
  • Get your daily vitamin D from a healthy diet, not from the sun
  • Avoid tanning beds, as they are just as damaging to the skin as the sun
  • Tan using tanning products, not the sun or tanning bed
  • Consult a physician if you notice anything on your skin that is changing, growing, or bleeding