WORCESTER, Mass. – Dr. Mary Maloney, Director of Dermatology at UMass Memorial Health said if you’re not applying at least a shot glass full of sunscreen, you’re not protecting yourself enough.
Dr. Maloney says, usually, people aren’t apply the proper amount.
“If you’ve applied a 30 (SPF) sunscreen, but only applied half as much, you’re only getting the coverage of maybe a 15 (SPF),” explained Dr. Maloney.
The sun protection factor number represents how protected a product keeps you from the sun. Dr. Maloney recommends wearing a sunscreen with a 50 SPF.
“We say this because we’ve watched people put it on,” said Dr. Maloney. “They really get only half the amount of they really need.”
If you’re in and out of water or not, re-applying throughout the day is important because sun exposure is the number one cause of skin cancer.
“In Massachusetts this year, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 2,500 (people) will be newly diagnosed with skin cancer,” said Theresa Freeman, Director of Marketing for the American Cancer Society. “Sadly, we estimate 160 (people) will die because of skin cancer.”
Freeman said its never too late to start practicing sun safety. “The protection you do now will protect your skin for decades to come,” she said.
In addition to sunscreen, Dr. Maloney said people should try and avoid direct sunlight between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are the highest.
“Have your umbrella, go inside, sit on a patio, ” said Dr. Maloney. “Then come out when its less bright.”
Dr. Maloney said to apply sunscreen anwhere from 15 to 30 minutes before you head out because it needs time to form its protective film for maximum coverage.
