Are you using sunscreen correctly? Most of us are not!

Whether you’re out for an early morning walk, a dip in the pool or a weekend hike on Mount Lemmon, don’t forget to lather up with sunscreen. Sunscreen is often an afterthought, especially if you are not prone to sunburn, but no matter what time of year it is or whether you’re in the blazing desert sun or the shady pines, don’t skip it.

Why is sunscreen important?

Using sunscreen reduces your exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. These rays, which are present even on overcast days, damage the skin and cause aging and skin cancer.

Tips for using sunscreen

SPF stands for sun protection factor. Manufacturers calculate  based on how long it takes to sunburn skin that's been treated with sunscreen as compared to skin with no sunscreen. We recommend using sunscreen with an  of at least 30, greater than 50 provides only a small increase in protection.