The Importance of Sunscreen

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.”

The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that, “More than 1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, making it the most common form of cancer in the country.”

The good news though, is that a lot of these cases are preventable.

“It is estimated that 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The two types of UV radiation that can affect the skin—UVA and UVB—have both been linked to skin cancer and a weakening of the immune system. Sunscreens protect your skin by absorbing and/or reflecting UVA and UVB rays.”

Sunscreen should not be your only line of defense when it comes to skin protection from the sun but it should be a major one. Other ways of protecting yourself against harmful rays include shade, clothing and sunglasses.  When using sunscreen it is recommended to use at least 15 SPF. Don’t forget to reapply and always remember to check the expiration date.

Stay safe in the sun!