Schools are out and summer fun has begun. Between pool days and beach trips, people are outside enjoying nature and soaking in the bright summer sun. While spending time outside has positive health benefits, the sun can be a short- and long-term enemy.

Dr. Lauren Kole (UAB)

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, according to estimates by the American Academy of Dermatology. Ultraviolet (UV) light is a risk factor for all types of skin cancer – avoiding UV could prevent more than 3 million skin cancer cases annually.

However, it is not always easy to avoid these harmful rays, especially during summer months, which is why using sunscreen is important. Dr. Lauren Kole, assistant professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Dermatology, shares her best practices for sunscreen use.

What to buy

When selecting a sunscreen, Kole suggests, first consider the sun protection factor (SPF). The AAD recommends using a 30 SPF or higher. No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, but 30 SPF blocks about 97%. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is also recommended. These sunscreens help protect against UVA rays, which cause premature aging of the skin, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Additionally, exposure to UVA and UVB may lead to skin cancers in the future. Because most outdoor activities include sweating and/or getting in water, it is useful to look for water-resistant formulas of sun protection.

Most sunscreen comes in one of four basic forms – spray, cream, gel or stick – and each type has its own application benefits:

• Sprays are most popular because of ease of application; however, people rarely apply enough, applying only around 25% to 50% of the recommended amount. Additionally, sprays are harder to control around the face, making it harder to prevent inhaling or ingesting the sunscreen, which can be harmful to the user.
• Creams can take more time to apply but can be used nearly everywhere on the body, including the face. People tend to rub in and apply creams slightly more than they do when applying spray sunscreen.
• Gels are not as common as sprays and creams but are most effective around hairy areas. For people who are not wearing a hat or head covering, gel sunscreen is a good option for protecting the scalp.
• Sticks are not realistic for use on the entire body but are perfect for safely applying sunscreen to the facial area, including the lips. Many facial sunscreens include moisturizing agents and other antiaging ingredients, such as antioxidants.

Kole said powder sunscreens are becoming more common and are a great option to use where there’s hair.

A sunburn can ruin the day or – even worse – one’s vacation. To prevent sunburn, use sunscreen with a 30 SPF or higher, which blocks about 97% of UV rays. (Getty Images)

Kole emphasizes the importance of checking to make sure a sunscreen selection is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Two ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are proposed to be safe and effective for sunscreen use, while two others, aminobenzoic acid and trolamine salicylate, are not considered safe or e­ffective by the FDA for sunscreen use. All sunscreen containers are required to show an expiration date. If there is no date, the product should be considered expired three years after purchase.

How to use sunscreen

A quality sunscreen cannot be fully effective if it is not correctly applied. Kole suggests applying sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside. This allows the sunscreen time to fully absorb into the skin and form its protective barrier. The national recommendation to reapply sunscreen is every two hours; also reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. Follow the sunscreen directions for how often to reapply.

Areas one cannot see or reach are commonly missed spots. Have someone else help apply sunscreen to hard-to-reach areas like the upper back, or make sure those areas are covered.

Do not replace sunscreen with tanning oil or lotion. Most of these lotions will not have near the recommended SPF for maximum UV protection. Even when applied with sunscreen, some tanning oils and lotions can counteract the protective ingredients.

In addition to sunscreen, other sun-protection best practices include wearing coverings, such as hats and sunglasses, and being extra diligent about applying sunscreen when in direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Kole said sunscreens are not recommended by the FDA for infants younger than 6 months. Children 6 months and older should wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Parents should aim to keep infants out of the sun during peak hours and talk with their pediatricians before applying sunscreen to children younger than 6 months.

After-sun best practices

After sun exposure, Kole suggests taking cool baths to reduce the heat, applying moisturizers and drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Hydrocortisone cream may be applied to sunburns to ease discomfort.

People should also avoid using products ending in “cain,” because it will not help the burn. These products only reduce pain and will not treat the underlying skin damage; overuse of these products can have side effects.

With any sunburn, avoid the sun while the skin heals, and be sure to cover the sunburn every time you go outdoors. For more summer safety tips, click here.

This story originally appeared on the UAB News website.