Sunscreen tips to keep your skin safe

"Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and can affect anyone at any age," says Winneshiek Medical Center skin specialist Dr. James Ott.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 95 percent of melanoma cases (the deadliest form of skin cancer) are attributable to UV exposure. Daily sunscreen use cuts the incidence of melanoma in half

Dr. Ott has several tips about sunscreen:

• Sunscreen is not just for summer.  Harmful rays are present year-round, and children and adults alike should use sunscreen daily.
• Sunscreen expires.  The FDA requires all sunscreens to retain their original strength for at least three years.  If your sunscreen is expired or past the three-year mark, throw it out.
• Spray sunscreens are convenient, but may not be your best choice.  The challenge with spray sunscreens is applying enough to sun-exposed areas. 
• Higher SPF is better… to a point.  Dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 30.  Higher than SPF 30 will provide slightly better protection, but nothing is 100 percent effective.  It is more important to reapply regularly than spend extra dollars on SPF 90.
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen protecting against UVA and UVB rays is the only research-backed product that protects against the sun's harmful rays.  Natural remedies like coconut oil or essential oils are not proven to protect from sunburn and prevent skin cancer.