How long before applying sunscreen

You only use sunscreen when the UV index is high. Tip: Skin cancer and other forms of sun damage can result from incidental bouts of UV exposure, even when the UV index is low.

UV rays, even when weak, can cause DNA damage that can accumulate over time. Our bodies depend on specialized DNA repair mechanisms to repair the damage caused by sun exposure.

If skin cell DNA is not adequately repaired, the cells may begin to grow out of control, leading to skin cancer.

You miss some spots when applying sunscreen. The BEENS acronym can help you to remember to cover these commonly missed spots - back of the knees, ears, eye area, neck, and scalp. You forget to reapply. Water-resistant sunscreens need to be applied after swimming or excessive sweating.

When possible, opt for sunscreen lotion. UVA rays can sneak through glass. Try to apply sunscreen or a moisturizer with broad-spectrum protection to your skin before spending time in a vehicle or sunny room.

Skin cancer and other forms of sun damage can result from incidental bouts of UV exposure, even when the UV index is low. The BEENS acronym can help you to remember to cover these commonly missed spots — back of the knees, ears, eye area, neck, and scalp.

Reapply frequently, at least every two hours and after exercising, sweating, swimming, or towel drying. Sunscreen helps reduce exposure to UV radiation, but it should not be used to increase the amount of time you can spend in the sun.

Next article: Sunbeds cause skin cancer when used exactly as intended…. Too many people manage to mess up the application process — dotting on too little, skipping vulnerable spots, and more. According to the Cleveland Clinic , sunburns damage the skin cells and blood vessels, and can cause skin to look older, more wrinkled, dry, discolored, and leathery. In one past study, for example, researchers found UV exposure to be responsible for about 80 percent of visible signs of aging on the face.

Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you step outdoors, because it takes that long for your skin to absorb the protective ingredients, says Leslie Baumann, MD , a dermatologist in Miami.

Smooth it on as evenly as possible before getting dressed, to avoid missing spots. On beach days, coat your body fully with at least 1 ounce a shot glass full of sunscreen, per the AAD. As for your face, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests saving a nickel-size amount for this part of your body.

A survey published in May by the AAD found that only about 33 percent of Americans reapply their sunscreen as often as recommended, which leaves the skin unprotected. The golden rule: Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, more often if you perspire heavily or go swimming.

The label on water-resistant sunscreens will say whether it stays effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes in water, according to the FDA. Reapplying will also help you achieve a more even spread, Skotnicki says.