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Choosing a Sunscreen to Prevent Skin Cancer

by | Dec 31, 2014 | News

There are several recommended methods to use in order to prevent skin cancer from developing. One of the most helpful is the use of sunscreen. You’ve heard about it hundreds of times, but do you actually use it properly? It’s important because sunscreen helps aid in preventing burns which damage cells—and damaged cells are the leading reason of skin cancer. That being said, there are several types of sunscreens on the market, all of which are customized to specific skin types.

You want to choose a sunscreen that is going to best work to prevent skin cancer for you personally. Here are rules to keep in mind when choosing the sunscreen to best fit your needs.

  1. Children are usually sensitive to the ingredients in sunscreen, thus if you’re buying for your kids, look for a sunscreen that is made specifically for children. Most of these types of sunscreens are going to have zinc oxide as one of the main ingredients, which is more tolerable for children’s skin. If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to consider buying a children’s sunscreen for this same reason.
  2. Those who suffer with acne or other skin conditions will want to avoid sunscreens that have fragrances and alcohol, as these can irritate the skin even more. You don’t want your sunscreen to cause more acne or skin issues. It’s supposed to help, not contribute to the problem.
  3. Those who have pale or light skin will want to ensure that they are wearing a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, despite the general recommendation of SPF 15. A higher SPF will offer better protection, which pale-skinned people need.
  4. For darker skin tones and everyday use, a SPF of 15 should be plenty. The skin may not need more protection, but a person should feel free to use more if they desire. Keep in mind that the sun shines differently in different areas of the world. For example, if you are in Hawaii, you will want a stronger SPF—even if you have darker skin.

The sunscreen market is huge, and it can be very hard to find a sunscreen that best fits your needs. However, with these tips in mind a person can find the sunscreen that provides the best prevention for skin cancer.