Sunscreen can help protect the skin from various types of skin cancer, sunburn and wrinkles. Sunscreen should be worn any time you expect to be exposed to the sun.
It is always a good idea to wear sunscreen.
Identification
Sunscreen is a substance, usually a lotion, that provides a layer of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. You should wear sunscreen for any prolonged sun exposure, especially if you will be out during the brightest times of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even on overcast days, you should wear sunscreen.
Function
Sunscreen is applied directly to any skin that will be exposed to the sun. More sensitive areas of the body, such as the bridge of the nose or the ears, need more sunscreen or a stronger formula. Sunscreens come in lotions and spray-on varieties.
Types
The main difference between the various types of sunscreen types is sun protection factor, or SPF. Sunscreens with a higher SPF provide more protection---and allow you to spend more time in the sun---than those with a lower SPF. For the best protection, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Benefits
While wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you should be able to stay in the sun about 150 minutes without burning---about 15 times longer than you would without protection. People of all skin types benefit from sunscreen's protection; even if you do not burn, you are still at risk for wrinkling and skin cancers.
Warnings
Even the strongest sunscreen can't protect you from sunburn if you stay in the sun too long. Many sunscreen wash off in water or if you sweat heavily. Be sure to reapply sunscreen often throughout the day. And if you are exposed to the sun as a regular part of your day, watch for symptoms of sun-induced skin cancers such as basal cell cancer or melanoma.
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