May is Melanoma Awareness Month. We want to ensure you’re not overlooking an important part of your skin-care routine – SPF protection!
Throughout the year, especially if spending large amounts of time outdoors, you should be protecting exposed skin with SPF. Face moisturizers, body lotions, sunscreen, and lip balm crafted with SPF protection will help protect against sunburns and skin damage, lowering your risk of developing melanoma.
Photo c/o Rinse Bath & Body Co.
FACT: About 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85% of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. (Skin Care Foundation)
SPF – What is it?
So, what is SPF exactly? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. According to the Skin Care Foundation, the SPF number “tells us how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply the sunscreen exactly as directed compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. So, if you use an SPF 30 product properly, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you used no sunscreen.”
Photo c/o Jack Black Skin Care
FACT: Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. (Skin Care Foundation)
When to Apply
Sunscreen should be applied every day to any exposed skin or body part, even when it’s cloudy, 30 minutes before exposure. It should also be reapplied every 2 hours, regardless of the level of SPF protection. This will ensure skin stays protected, protecting you from painful and uncomfortable sunburns.
Key Features
Other things to look for with SPF protection include broad-spectrum formulas to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Water-resistant formulas are also effective if participating in outdoor sports or swimming.
Salt & Stone SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Photo c/o Salt & Stone.
FACT: The leading cause of melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources (tanning beds, sunlamps, etc). (Melanoma Network of Canada)
Along with using SPF products, wearing hats, staying in shaded areas, and covering skin will help protect against skin damage and sunburns.
Find the right SPF grooming product for your skin here.
For More Information
To learn more about melanoma and skin care protection, consult the resources below:
