(HealthDay News) -- It's important to apply sunscreen year-round, whenever you're out in the sun. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these guidelines:
- Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before you head out, so your skin has time to absorb it.
- Reapply sunscreen after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Reapply the product regularly if you're in the sun all day. For added safety, wear protective clothing and a hat.
- Apply sunscreen generously and rub it in thoroughly. Use roughly a handful to cover your entire body.
- Apply to all areas that will be exposed to the sun. Don't forget places like the tops of the ears, nose, eyelids (use caution around the eyes), lips, back, hands, feet, shoulders and backs of the thighs.
