Sunscreen safety: What you should be wearing to preserve your skin health

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - As students return to campus for football practice, band camp, and outdoor recess, dermatologists are warning that overcast conditions can be more dangerous than clear ones — because people are less likely to apply sunscreen.

More burns occur on cloudy days due to a false sense of security, according to dermatologists. Harmful ultraviolet rays can reflect off nearby surfaces, including water and cement, and reach the skin even without direct sunlight. Doctors say wearing sunscreen every day outdoors is essential, and that reapplication is just as important as the initial application.

More than 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. UV radiation is responsible for approximately 90% of those cases. Having a history of five or more sunburns doubles a person’s risk for melanoma; but when caught early, the five-year survival rate is 99%. About one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

For those spending time outdoors, doctors say UPF clothing is another option. UPF-rated garments are designed to block ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin and can block up to approximately 98% of UV rays.

If you’re sticking to sunscreen, doctors recommend a minimum SPF of 50. It should also be reapplied every 80 minutes. Anyone getting in the water should also be aware that sunscreen gets removed by your towel when you dry off, so you’ll want to reapply right after.