More than 80% of skin cancer cases are caused by sunburn — and this number is rising year on year. There are an estimated 1.5 million new cases of skin cancer globally each year, with this figure expected to rise by 50% by 2040. Wearing sunscreen is widely acknowledged as being one of the best things we can do for our health. But how and when to apply sunscreen? There’s still a lot of confusion.
Experts usually recommend that people apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow time for it to absorb into the skin. It might be wise to apply it twice, since studies show that most people tend to underapply sunscreen. Scientists also advise reapplying sunscreen after sweating, being in water, or if our skin has rubbed up against clothing or sand. It’s also important to not mix sunscreen with other skin products. This is because many skin products contain ingredients that may make the sunscreens less effective.
It’s advised about six teaspoons for the face and body on an average-sized adult. However, studies have shown that people generally apply much less than they need, and therefore are not as protected as they think they are. As for young kids, it differs from ages. Babies under the age of six months shouldn’t wear sunscreen. They shouldn’t be directly exposed to the sun. And it’s recommended that you apply two teaspoons of sunscreen to two-year-olds, three teaspoons for five-year-olds, four teaspoons for nine-year-olds and five teaspoons for 13-year-olds. For older children, scientists recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours.
What type of sunscreen should I use? Experts recommend using sunscreen with a five star rating of at least 30 SPF, and covering skin up with clothing, too. Skin cancer charities recommend wearing suncream on all exposed skin when being outdoors, every day of the year, and urge the importance of limiting your time in the sun, even when you are wearing suncream.
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