Skin cancer is a dangerous and common cancer that increases in cases each year. Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best ways to protect yourself and avoid needing emergency care or frequent trips to the doctor. While your skin protects your body from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, sunscreen gives you extra protection against radiation, cancer, discoloration, and wrinkles. Luckily, you can easily incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine with these tips. 

How to Add Sunscreen to Your Daily Skincare Routine

1. Use the Right Sunscreen

Because the sun's ultraviolet UVB and UVA rays are strong enough to affect your skin, even on cloudy days or while driving your car, you should wear sunscreen daily. You likely won't need sunscreen higher than SPF 60 if you don't intend to spend time outdoors. However, SPF 60 or greater offers the best protection for anyone spending time in direct sunlight. For indirect sunlight, choose a daily lotion, oil, or spray with an SPF of at least 30. 

2. Apply Enough Sunscreen 

Unfortunately, sunscreen won't last all day. It will degrade over time and wash off if you get wet or sweaty. Ideally, it should be applied within 15 to 30 minutes of going outside and reapplied at least every two hours for optimal protection. 

When putting on the lotion or mist, you'll need to coat any part of your exposed body evenly. For instance, if you're wearing shorts and a tank top, apply enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass on your face, arms, and legs. If you also want to wear a moisturizer, apply it after sunscreen if it has a chemical base. However, you can apply mineral sun protection after using moisturizer. Be sure to apply moisture and sunscreen separately to avoid diluting them. 

3. Know How to Wear Sunscreen and Makeup

Some foundations and cosmetics claim to have SPF. However, the protection in makeup is not enough to prevent sun damage, cancer, and emergency care. It's best to wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or greater sunscreen with your makeup. You can get excellent protection by purchasing a waterproof option. 

No matter your medical condition, you can receive exceptional care and attention at United Hospital District. Based in Blue Earth, MN, with locations in Fairmont and Wells, MN, our hospital and team of qualified physicians offer various specialty health care services, like orthopedics, family medicine, and surgery. You can also receive emergency care for problems that can't wait for a regular doctor's appointment. Learn more about our services online or call (507) 526-7388 to schedule an appointment.