If you will be spending time outdoors this summer, it is important that you practice good sun safety habits in order to protect your skin from harm. Regular sun exposure, even without getting a sunburn, can increase your risk of developing skin cancer later on in life—but fortunately, you can prevent this by avoiding direct sunlight and wearing sunscreen when you go outdoors.

To help you determine how to be as sun-safe as possible, Your AFC Urgent Care North Carolina team has put together some must-know tips about sunscreen usage and how it can keep you healthy.

How Much Sunscreen Should I Use?

When people apply sunscreen, either in the form of lotions or sprays, they often do not use enough to be completely protected. You should generally apply at least an ounce to cover exposed parts of your body.

It is important to cover every bit of skin that could get exposed to the sun so you do not miss any spots, and to cover them liberally enough that the sun’s rays cannot penetrate through.

Areas Often Missed by Sunscreen

• The tops of the feet
• The lips
• The scalp
• The tops of the ears
• The back of the hands

What Type of Sunscreen Should I Use?

Whether you choose a chemical or mineral sunscreen is really a matter of personal preference, but it is recommended to choose an SPF rating of at least 30 and pick a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection.

You can experiment with different types until you find one that works well on your skin and meets your needs.

Other Sun-Safe Basics

• Avoid being outdoors when the sun is strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wear sun-protective clothing.
• Sit in the shade instead of in direct sunlight.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your scalp, ears and neck.

If you have not been feeling well, your AFC Urgent Care North Carolina team is here to help you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a doctor.