As more people start looking forward to warm summery days and vacation getaways, protecting your skin from ultraviolet damage should be a priority. Skin cancer is the number one cancer that is diagnosed in the US each year, of which over 200,000 cases of melanoma are reported. How you apply your sunscreen can greatly alter its effectiveness, so follow these tips for the most protection!

1. Apply sunscreen everyday regardless of weather and activity: UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows.
2. Cover all exposed areas: Don’t forget the neck, ears, hands and feet!
3. Apply 15-30 minutes before heading outside: Allow time for the sunscreen to work into your skin before heading out.
4. Don’t be fooled by higher SPFs and “waterproof” labels: They don’t mean they last longer.
5. Reapply diligently: Sunscreen can get rubbed or washed off and degrades in the sun, so it should be reapplied at least every 2 hours.
6. Use safe brands approved by organizations such as the American Academy of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Foundation and the Environmental Working Group

Other preventative measures to be aware of:

• Check your skin for abnormalities
• Avoid midday sun exposure
• Protect young infants and children through other measures such as clothing, sun hats, shade, and avoiding midday sun
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes

If you get sunburned, be sure to care for it through soothing moisturizers, cool baths, and see a board-certified dermatologist for severe, painful cases. Any abnormalities of the skin should be addressed, so consult with a skin care specialist like Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology. Dr. Vaillant has been practicing for over 30 years and treats all types of skin, hair, and nail conditions including acne, dandruff, age spots, hair loss, eczema, nail fungus, psoriasis, skin cancer, and dermatitis. Contact our Old Bridge, NJ office at (732) 679-0222 to schedule an appointment today!