You’re headed to the neighborhood pool, the park or the beach. You’ve just slathered your arms, legs and face with sunscreen so you’re ready to walk out the door, right? Not so fast. To really protect your skin from sun damage, including premature wrinkles and future skin cancers, you need to make sure you’re using that sunscreen correctly.

The first step is buying the right sunscreen. Read the label. Your sunscreen should have a sun-protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Your sunscreen should also give broad protection from both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. In addition, it should be water-resistant so it’s less likely to wash off when you perspire.

When applying sunscreen, a common mistake is not using enough.

1. Before you go out in the sun, apply two coats of sunscreen, like paint.
2. Cover all areas of your skin that will be exposed, including ears, neck, shoulders, the backs of your knees and the tops of your feet.
3. Be sure to re-apply every two hours or more often if needed.

As a Fox Chase Cancer Center Partner, Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center has early access to research on cancer prevention and treatment. Fox Chase Cancer Center Partners is a select group of community hospitals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey affiliated with Fox Chase Cancer Center to provide the latest in cancer research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment in their own communities. Fox Chase Cancer Center Partners offer patients, families and their physicians enhanced resources to deal with the burden of cancer, including the newest clinical trials.

Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center offers comprehensive services include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical research, early detection and screening programs, support groups, educational programs, nutrition counseling, psychosocial support, complimentary therapies and cancer risk assessment.
For more information on Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center call 1-888-788-1260 or visit www.hunterdonhealthcare.org.

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This health column is provided by Hunterdon Healthcare System. The information provided should be used as a resource to help you make better health care decisions. You should always consult with your physician before making changes that affect your health. If you need a physician, Call Hunterdon Medical Center’s Physician Referral Service at 1-800-511-4HMC.