Sunscreen 101: What Kind to Wear and How to Apply

Preventative measures you can take today to protect yourself against skin cancer

 From the LifeMinute.TV Team

May 1, 2021

The real dangers of the sun and what you need to do on a daily basis to protect yourself before you head out the door.

What should we know about melanoma?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if they’ve had more than five sunburns. And, one blistering sunburn as a child can also double a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.

This really sheds light on why it is extremely important to wear sunscreen daily, no matter your age, skin type or tone. Even if you don’t burn easily from the sun, harmful UV rays can still penetrate the skin and cause damage.

Although melanoma and other skin cancers aren’t 100% preventable, UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps lower the risk of sun damage and skin cancer when used correctly on a daily basis.

What types of sunscreen should we be using?
Always look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher, as this will protect against the sun's UV or ultraviolet rays, specifically UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and play a greater role in premature skin aging or damage, while UVB rays are more responsible for producing sunburn.

This year, Cetaphil actually launched its first-ever sunscreen line, which is 100% mineral-based and includes SPF 30 and SPF 50 lotions, an SPF 50 face liquid, and an SPF 50 stick, which I love for its convenience – not to mention it’s great for kids. The entire collection is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, paraben and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, reef-safe and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.

How should we apply sunscreen?
First, prep skin with a regular or tinted moisturizer. A hydrated base will help the minerals disperse more evenly over the skin, which leads to easier blending. Next, apply a small amount of sunscreen at a time and rub in a circular motion until it’s fully absorbed into the skin. You can also mix your sunscreen right into your foundation – just make sure you’re using enough for it to be effective. Make sure to apply at least 15 minutes before any sun exposure and reapply every two hours especially if you’re in direct sunlight, swimming, or sweating.

You can follow @CetaphilUS on Instagram and visit Cetaphil.com or your local retailer for more info.