The Art of Applying Sunscreen

     This picture has made it on TODAY, and has since been shared all over social media as a funny and common mistake. It sheds light on the importance of the correct application of sunscreen. A sunburn not only causes pain, but it’s also bad for your health.

    About 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. A person’s risk for developing melanoma doubles if they have had one or more blistering sunburns, or 5 or more sunburns.

   

    A recent study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology states, 37% of people rarely or never applies sunscreen to their back and 43% of people rarely or never ask someone else to help them apply sunscreen to their back. Sunscreen application and examination of the back are important because the back is THE most common area for diagnosed Melanomas.

You can protect yourself by

•        Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB rays.) Use a sunscreen with a SPF or sun protective factor of at least 30. Reapply approximately 1oz of sunscreen every 2 hours.

•        If using a spray sunscreen, MAKE SURE TO RUB IT IN.

•        Limit sun exposure during hours when the UV rays are the strongest, between 10AM and 4 PM

•        Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.

•        Avoid tanning beds

•        Have an annual skin exam performed by a dermatologist.

Do self-skin exams, using the ABCDE's every month, and look for new or changing moles