The Truth About Sunscreen

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SPEAKER
These answers to common questions about sunscreen will keep you from getting burned.

Should you put sunscreen on a young baby? No, the chemicals in it can irritate the skin of infants younger than six months. Instead, keep your little one in the shade as much as possible. When you're out in the sun, dress them in lightweight, long-sleeve clothes. A wide brimmed hat gives extra sun protection to their face, ears, and the back of their neck. Also, limit their time in the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. That's when UV rays are strongest.

Do people of color need to wear sunscreen? Yes. Darker skin doesn't guard against skin cancer. Anyone can get the disease. White people appear to get melanoma more often, but it may be deadlier for people of color whose cancer is usually in a later stage when it's diagnosed.

Should you wear sunscreen even if it's cloudy outside? Yes. Up to 80% of damaging UV rays can pierce through clouds. That's why your best bet is to put on a shot glass worth of sunscreen any time you spend time outside. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes beforehand and every two hours afterward. Choose broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen that's at least SPF 30.