3 Things to Know About Your Sunscreen

Tanning oil and beds are things of the past and sunscreen is more important than ever. As your skin’s leading defense against skin cancer, sunscreen is your best friend during these hot summer months. However, as magical as sunscreen may be, there are still some things you need to know about it to ensure that you get the most out it. This article will give you three sunscreen facts to help your skin stay cancer free and protected all summer long. Read on to learn more.

sunscreen Can Expire

You may buy a large bottle of sunscreen from your local wholesale center every couple of years and call it good, but did you know that your sunscreen can expire? According to the Mayo Clinic, the average shelf life for sunscreen is about three years, but over that, you should throw out your sunscreen and buy a new one.

It Needs to Be Reapplied

One of the common misconceptions that people have— especially about waterproof sunscreen— is that once you apply it, you are good to go. However, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two to three hours— no matter how waterproof it’s claiming to be. The next time you’re out at the beach or pool, set a timer so that you don’t forget to reapply.

You’re Never Fully Protected

You may think that if you grab a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher that you are fully protected, but one thing you may not know is that you’re never 100% protected with a sunscreen— no matter how high the SPF is. So, remember that if you’re planning a big day out in the sun, you can add more protection to your sunscreen by wearing a big hat and covering up more of your skin.

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The next time you grab some sunscreen and head to the beach, keep the above information in mind. To learn more about general dermatology and skin cancer prevention, contact Skin & Laser Surgery Center today!