The days of being more outside than inside are here.
But anytime you’re outside you’re exposing yourself to harmful rays from the sun that can lead to skin cancer.
That’s why it’s so important to always have sunscreen on.
“Apply it early and keep reapplying it,” explains Dr. Amy Thompson.
Thompson is CEO of Covenant Children’s Hospital.
“Even if you put sunscreen on at the beginning of the day it’s not enough,” explained Thompson.
Thompson says to also pay attention to the labels.
“I always recommend anything higher than 30 and make sure you look at sunscreen that says broad spectrum coverage which has UVA and UVB coverage,” said Thompson.
It’s important to let the sunscreen soak in so you can get the best protection from the sun.
Even if you tan more than burn, that doesn’t mean you’re protected against those harmful rays.
“Whether you are light skinned or dark skinned you need to be wearing sunscreen. No matter your skin pigmentation you can get damage from that light,” explained Thompson.
And sunscreen is also needed on cloudy days.
“I think those are the most dangerous days because people assume that they’re not getting the damage from the sun and then realize their skin is burning,” Thompson said. “So don’t be fooled by the clouds.”
