Summer is coming to an end but sunscreen is still vital year-round. Are you applying sunscreen properly and choosing an SPF that is appropriate for your skin? Lets go into more detail on how to protect your skin from UV rays throughout the year.

1. Top 5 Sunscreen tips
for African
American Men
By www.clearessenceformen.com

2. Summer is coming to an end but sunscreen is still vital
year-round. Are you applying sunscreen properly and
choosing an SPF that is appropriate for your skin? Lets
go into more detail on how to protect your skin from UV
rays throughout the year.

3. Don’t waste money
on SPF above 50
A high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) will
often trick your mind into thinking that
you can stay in the sun longer. This is
not always recommended because
sunscreen is still washed off due to
water, sweat, clothing and towels. SPF
15 has been found to block 94% of UV
rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of rays and
SPF 45 blocks 98% of rays. None offer
100% protection. For fair skin tones, an
SPF of 30 is usually sufficient. For
darker skintones, SPF 15 is usually
enough to stay protected.

4. Apply before going
outside
Sunscreen takes about 15 minutes to absorb into the skin.
Waiting until you’ve already felt your skin heating up is
already leading to skin damage. Apply 30 minutes before
you plan to venture out into the sun.

5. Use enough
sunscreen
Don’t forget your ears, neck, and face when applying
sunscreen. Ask a friend to help you reach your back or
use a spray sunscreen. Use a lip balm containing SPF to
prevent damaged lips as well. Sunglasses are also useful
in protecting eyes.

6. Reapply your sunscreen
throughout the day
Regardless of your SPF factor, sunscreen needs to be
reapplied throughout the day and during time spent
outdoors. As mentioned before, sunscreen can easily be
washed off if you are spending a day in the water or
playing sports involving sweating. Even water-resistant
sunscreen should be reapplied every 2-3 hours to
guarantee protection.

7. Enjoy the outdoors
at the right times
UV rays peak during midday. Try to limit your outdoor
activities to morning and afternoon hours. Sunscreen will
still be needed but the UV rays are less powerful at these
times.

8. In 2009, twice as many American men died from melanoma
than women. This could be attributed to women’s use of
several beauty products and makeup that sometimes already
contain sunscreen. Also the beauty industry often targets
women more than men giving women constant reminders of
skin health. Don’t be apart of the 66% of men that don’t wear
sunscreen daily! This number is even further increased when
speaking of African American men, as there is the perception
that UV rays do not harm black skin. This could not be further
from the truth. Black skin may not burn but it is still damaged
in the form of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Always wear
sunscreen to prevent signs of aging and possible skin cancer!