Choosing the Best SPF To Protect Your Skin

Choosing the Best SPF to Protect Your Skin

How much do you know about sun protection factor or SPF? It’s a common abbreviation used in sunscreen products. Do you know how to choose the best SPF for your skin? Your dermatologist can help. The dermatologists at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center of Colorado Springs, offer a wide range of dermatology services. They have three convenient office locations in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad, CO.

What You Need To Know About Sun Protection

Let’s look at some basic guidelines on sun protection factors:

• A sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 should be worn every day if you have darker skin and an average risk of developing skin cancer
• A sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 should be worn if you have medium skin or if you plan on being outside for an extended length of time
• A sunscreen with at least an SPF 50 should be worn if you have fair skin, or freckles, you sunburn easily, or you have a family history of skin cancer

In addition to wearing the right amount of SPF, you should also:

• Avoid continuous sunlight between 10 AM and 2 PM, when ultraviolet rays are the most harmful
• Avoid using tanning booths, tanning lamps, or other tanning equipment
• Wear a hat, sunglasses, and other protective clothing

You should also check your skin regularly for early signs of skin cancer. You need to look for:

• Large moles, with a diameter greater than 6 millimeters
• Moles with an Irregular, asymmetrical shape
• Moles with ragged, poorly defined borders
• Moles that have grown back after removal

Want To Know More?

To find out more about choosing the right sunscreen for your skin, and other skin cancer prevention tips, call the dermatologists at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center of Colorado Springs. You can reach them at:

• Colorado Springs, CO, by calling (719) 574-0310
• Pueblo, CO, by calling (719) 564-5544
• Trinidad, CO, by calling (800) 290-2478

Call today.