Why It’s Important to Use Sunscreen in the Spring 

Springtime means gardening, afternoon walks and sunshine – but you better use sunscreen! Ninety percent of the sun’s ray can penetrate through clouds- meaning even on a cloudy or cool day, you can get sunburned. Here are some helpful tips to protect your skin this spring. 

Use sunscreen that is SPF 30 or greater and water-resistant with broad spectrum coverage. The number indicates that if you are using it correctly, including reapplying it every two hours, it will take 30 times longer for you to turn red. 

Re-apply sunscreen every 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re sweating or in water, reapply more often. Yes, you can burn even if covered in water, like when swimming or snorkeling. 

Always make sure to check that your sunscreen hasn’t expired. Toss it if it’s over a year old, as your SPF starts to become less effective at blocking damaging UV rays. If your sunscreen doesn’t have a date, be sure to write the date of purchase on the bottle.  

Always apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. It takes time to absorb into your skin. To achieve proper protection, you should use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. This is about two tablespoons on all of your exposed areas or a nickle-sized dollop on your face. 

Don’t forget to use sunscreen on the tops of your feet, ears, scalp and lips. We often forget these area’s and therefore they are prone to a higher risk of skin cancer.  

Always use a sunscreen that is designed for your face. Increase your sun protection by wearing sunglasses, a hat and protective clothing. 

Limit sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.- as this is when the sun is strongest.  

Spring is an enjoyable time to be outdoors. Use sunscreen and you can enjoy it for more hours and more safely.