Apply sunscreen to exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours. We know you’ve heard this before, but that’s because it’s the easiest and most effective way to ward off harmful UV rays. While lighter skin tones are more susceptible, individuals with darker skin can still get cancer and still need sunscreen.
It’s important to use a full-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher for protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. UVB rays are those responsible for sunburns and damage the superficial top layers of your skin. UVA rays account for 95 percent of all the ultraviolet rays that come to the earth’s surface and are far more damaging to skin. They can penetrate clouds and glass, and play a major role in skin aging and wrinkling. UVA is the dominant tanning ray and is known to cause lasting damage; these rays increase the rate of melanoma and can even initiate the development of cancer.
Since these rays are so prevalent and powerful, it’s important to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days and even if you think you’re not spending much time outside. Remember to put sunscreen on your hands! The skin is typically thinner on your hands, so it’s often the first to show signs of aging and wrinkling. Your hands also spend a lot of time in the sun while you’re driving and are exposed to those UVA rays that can penetrate the windshield glass.