Tips for staying safe in the sun this summer

After an exceptionally cold winter, we all finally want to enjoy the good weather. But this enjoyment can have a cost. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Here are tips for staying safe outside the Cosmetic Dermatology Center in McLean, Virginia.

1. Whatever you apply, apply more. Most people know that they should use sunscreen, but they do not apply it enough. To be protected, you must overlay it. Lotion-based sunscreens are usually more potent than spray. If you use the vaporizer because it's easier to target hard-to-reach places, spray several times. A quick diaper is not strong enough in the hot sun.
2. Do not apply it just before leaving your house. Whether you're going to the beach or just shopping, it's best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. This ensures your body has fully absorbed the SPF. But if you are in a hurry, apply it before you leave, it's better than not at all.
3. Pay attention to the numbers. You may have heard that nothing more than the FPS 50 is effective. This is simply not true. SPF is calculated by the number of hours that you can stay in the sun without getting burned. Although you need to reapply every 45 minutes or so, a higher number of SPFs provide you with better protection for a longer period of time.
4. Get checked at least once a year. As with all cancers, early detection is essential to prevent or treat skin cancer. If you notice new or changed marks on your body, make an appointment with your dermatologist. Make sure to see this doctor at least once a year. More controls may be needed if you have a family history of skin cancer.

This article is sponsored by Cosmetic Dermatology Center.

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