As summer arrives, Florida is engulfed in the hot sun and harsh UV rays. With this, an emphasis needs to be placed on the use of sunscreen more than ever. There are a wide variety of sunscreens available ranging from specific skincare needs to sunscreens made specifically for tanning. What’s important is that sunscreen is applied to the body and face.

It is recommended to get a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for day-to-day use, but when spending time outdoors SPF 60 or higher is the safest bet. Some may say that sunscreen is not effective, but the efficacy of the product only works if applied correctly. The general rule of thumb is enough sunscreen to cover the length of two fingers for the face and neck and reapplication every two hours “depending on the SPF.” The reapplication is especially pertinent after swimming and sweating, key summer activities! Everyone should keep these rules in mind, especially those with sun-sensitive skin, in order to help prevent further skin damage.

Sunscreen brings forward a multitude of benefits including “protection from skin cancer” and “sunburns that can be uncomfortable.” a prevalent issue in Florida according to Mr. Lindenburg, an IB Biology Teacher. In addition, it serves as a tool to even out the skin’s complexion and makes sure not to worsen or darken existing acne scars or hyperpigmentation. The list of benefits stretches on to include prevention of premature aging as well. In fact, many scientific estimates have shown that up to 80-90% of how young or old you look for your age is due to how much UV sun exposure you’ve sustained.

The use of sunscreen is so important and the issue of constant lack of use is due to the “delay between choosing to put on sunscreen and when the cancer [can] arrive,” resulting in possible long-term issues. Remember, results can only be shown through consistent daily use and proper application, so while we are young, the process to prevent these issues must be started as soon as possible.