Don't Get Caught Without Your Sunscreen | WPN World People News

Heading out on a warm, sunny day? Don't forget to cover up -- with sunscreen.

"Everybody -- and I mean everybody -- needs sunscreen," expert said.

"Your ethnicity doesn't matter; how easily you tan doesn't matter. If you go out in the sun without sunscreen you are putting yourself at risk for melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of cancer," expert warned.

Sunscreens carry sun protection factor (SPF) numbers, which indicate how much protection they offer against the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.

A broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B, both of which can damage the skin and contribute to skin cancer, expert explained.

"And a lot of factors can affect sunscreen performance. Swimming and sweating can wash off some sunscreens and most people don't use enough or reapply sunscreen often enough," expert said.

Many people don't know how much sunscreen to apply.

"On average, about one ounce. That may not seem like a lot, but it's enough to cover your palm or fill a shot glass," expert said.

Expert added that you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours for maximum protection even if the sunscreen label advises differently.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services