Sunscreen has a shelf life, among other things to consider.

 Sunscreen has a shelf life, among other things to consider.

Sun protection will help you avoid inflammation, burns, premature aging, and, most importantly, skin cancer.

Dr. Dawn Davis, a dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic, provides more information about sunscreen shelf life and other statistics to help you make decisions when you venture out into the sun.

UV (ultraviolet light) is a known carcinogen. This is where sunscreen comes in handy.

"Sunscreen can act as a carcinogen barrier to help keep your skin safe," Dr. Davis explains.

Keep the following sunscreen facts in mind when reaching for your favorite bottle:

The active component and preservative in sunscreen can degrade over time.

Sunscreen is affected by high temperatures. Keep it out of bright sunlight and don't allow it freeze during the winter.

Sunscreen is essential for people of color.

Bottom line: Everyone above the age of six months, even babies, needs sunscreen.

"It is a common misconception that children do not get skin cancer. "It's also a common misconception that people of color cannot get skin cancer," Dr. Davis explains.

Finally, according to Dr. Davis, "there literally is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen."

Apply sunblock and reapply after becoming wet.

Tips for Applying Sunscreen

Sunscreen must be applied widely in order to be effective, so go easy on the application.

To cover exposed regions of the body, apply 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of sunscreen — the amount in a shot glass. Depending on your body size, you may need to apply more. You'll use roughly a quarter of a 4-ounce (118-milliliter) bottle for one application.

News Service of the Tribune