As temperatures rise and more families head outdoors, doctors say one simple habit can help reduce the risk of painful sunburns, premature skin damage and even skin cancer: wearing sunscreen correctly.
Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, applying it about 15 minutes before going outside, and reapplying every two hours, or sooner after swimming or excessive sweating.
“You want to do first a layer of lotion sunscreen,” said Dr. Natalie Hone with The Skin People. “It needs to be SPF 30 or above, it needs to say broad spectrum and ideally it should be waterproof.”
While sunscreen comes in lotions, sprays, sticks and powders, dermatologists recommend using a traditional lotion for the first application to ensure full coverage. Spray and stick sunscreens can be helpful for touch-ups throughout the day.
The advice is one the Estrada family takes seriously.
“It’s summertime, every day we’re outside,” said Virna Estrada, whose family keeps a basket of sunscreen stocked next to their backyard pool.
Her husband, Albert Estrada, a middle school P.E. teacher and football coach, says reapplying sunscreen has become part of his daily routine.
“I put on sunscreen daily, like during football season and in class. I put about three or four times a day,” he said.
Estrada says he doesn’t skip any exposed areas.
“Everywhere that’s exposed, even on my legs, arms, I’m super strict with sunscreen.”
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily use of sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher can reduce the risk of melanoma by 50% and squamous cell carcinoma by about 40%.
Doctors say sunscreen protects against more than just skin cancer.
“It’s not just skin cancer, but it’s also pigmentation problems, sunburns that happen acutely that can be really painful and cause later things like infections,” Hone said.
Many people assume that using a higher SPF, such as 60, provides twice the protection of SPF 30. Doctors say that’s a common misconception. For most people, an SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen used properly and reapplied regularly offers excellent protection.
In addition to sunscreen, experts recommend taking other steps to reduce sun exposure, including:
- Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, head and neck.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
Estrada says it’s easy to lose track of time while enjoying a day outdoors, so he recommends setting reminders to reapply sunscreen.
“Time gets away fast, especially at the beach. You’re having so much fun,” he said. “Put a timer on your watch or your cell phone — whatever is convenient.”
Doctors say making sunscreen part of your daily routine can go a long way toward protecting your skin throughout the summer and beyond.