Newswise — Make seasonal sun block a daily habit
Popular outdoor activities from riding bikes to boating and beaches can mean wrinkles and skin cancer down the road if you don't take time to put on sun block, dermatologists at UT Southwestern warn.
If putting sun screen on is only a seasonal habit for you during summer months, turn it into a daily habit, said Dr. Erin Welch, a UT Southwestern skin cancer specialist. "Since chronic sun damage adds up over our lifetimes, preventing every sun burn is important."
Pick a sun screen with at least a 30 SPF (sun protection factor) if you'll be out more than 15 minutes, one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it at least 30 minutes before heading out and remember to reapply after swimming or sweating a lot, or after more than a couple of hours outdoors. Also consider a lip balm that contains an SPF of 15 or higher.
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
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