So, we pulled together some essential, need-to-know sun care basics and put them all in one spot. Hopefully this guide helps make it a little easier to learn how to keep yourself and the ones you love protected from the sun.
Why Sun Protection Matters
Apply & Reapply
While the exact amount of sunscreen we use varies from person to person, we try and err on the side of applying generously (aka don’t be afraid to slather it on). Remember to cover your ears, nose, chest, and hands too.
Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is also super important. As a rule of thumb, we apply every 2 hours and after sweating, towel-drying, surfing, cannonballing and the like to help SPF do what it does best.
UVA vs. UVB Rays
From the sun, come both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are known for penetrating the deeper layers of our skin, which can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkles. UVB rays on the other hand, are known as the culprits of sunburns and play a significant role in causing skin cancer.
Curious how intense the UV rays are at any point in the day? Just look up the UV index on your phone.
Q&A with a Derm
Q: What does skin cancer look like?
A: Look for the ABCDE’s of skin cancer: Asymmetry in the mole, irregular borders, color changes, diameter bigger than a pencil eraser, and evolution or changing mole.
Q: Do I still need to use sunscreen even if I have darker skin?
A: ALL skin types need sunscreen! While darker skin types may be less prone to sunburns, exposure to UV light without SPF protection can still induce DNA damage, leading to a higher risk for skin cancer.
