UVA vs. UVB
We often hear about the two types of ultraviolet light: UVA and UVB.
UVA exposure is associated with wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB is primarily responsible for sunburn.
Both types can cause skin cancer.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health; Getty Images.
This means it protects against UVB and UVA rays, both of which contribute to skin cancer risks.
The most important sunscreen is the sunscreen that you actually use, he said.
Should You Use a Body Sunscreen on Your Face?
Do You Really Have to Wait 15 Minutes After Applying Sunscreen?
Otherwise, the sunscreen can get rubbed off easily.
How Much Sunscreen Is Enough?
But If youre spending the day outside, you should be applying it every two hours.
You might want to reapply more often if youre swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
If you wear makeup, you should always apply your SPF in the morning before cosmetics.
She said its also important to remember that wearing sunscreen alone isnt enough.
Use hats, sunglasses, shirts, shade, and more.
Can You Skip Sunscreen If Youre Wearing SPF-Protective Clothing?
But its important to remember that UPF clothing does wear out and lose its protectiveness with time.
Can You Still Tan With Sunscreen?
But Goldstein said getting a tan isnt something you should aim for.
Tanning is a response to damage to the DNA of the skin.
It is your bodys way of trying to protect you from damaging rays, she said.
Does Sunscreen Really Expire?
You should pay attention to theexpiration date on your sunscreen label.
And you should wear sunscreen every day regardless of the season, Kim added.
American Academy of Dermatology.Sunscreen FAQs.
Zafren K.Sunscreen for adventure travel: use sun protection factor 50 or higher.J Travel Med.
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doi:10.1093/jtm/taaa048
Skin Cancer Foundation.Skin cancer facts & statistics.
