Sunscreen is so important but findings in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology are showing that a majority of Americans are not regularly using sunscreen! Despite aggressive public awareness initiatives, only 14.3% of men and 29.9% of women are using it on their face and other exposed skin on a regular basis. A higher percentage (42.6%) of women use it regularly on their face most likely because so many cosmetic products contain sunscreen and because of the anti-aging benefits.
The American Academy of Dermatology offer these tips to reduce the risk of skin cancer:
1. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ & apply at least 15 minute before sun exposure reapplying at least every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
2. Use enough sunscreen to cover your whole body (about an ounce for most adults), and apply it to all exposed areas, including the ears, scalp, tops of the feet, and legs. Ask someone else to help you apply sunscreen on hard-to-reach spots like your back.
3. Seek shade, especially between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
4. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, when possible using extra caution near water, sand, or snow, all of which can reflect and intensify UV rays.
5. If you want to look tan, use self-tanner! Don’t forget to keep using sunscreen.
To learn more about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Angela Champion, M.D. contact us at 949.640.4005. Taking new patients from in and around Newport Beach | Orange County CA.