Sunscreen

If it's been a while since you've been sun-kissed, you probably can't wait to jump into a bikini and soak up the warmth. You know it'll be quite a shock to your skin, but you think, "Hey, what's the harm in a little sunburn?" Well, unfortunately sunburns are like cigarettes — just one can increase your risk of cancer. The red, irritated, and painful skin may seem temporary, but even a slight sunburn can cause long-lasting damage. Every single sunburn you have experienced — from that excruciatingly tender burn you got visiting the Jersey Shore as a kid to the lobster-like face you got at your sister's wedding in Mexico last year — increases your risk of skin cancer down the road. In fact if you've had five sunburns in your life, your risk for melanoma doubles.

Persons with fair skin don't have much UV-protecting melatonin in their skin, so they burn easily, rarely tan, and are at a greater risk of skin cancer since they're more susceptible to severe, blistering burns. But those with dark skin can also develop skin cancer on paler areas of their body such as the palms of their hands, fingers, and feet.

Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, and the best way to reduce your risk is to never get a sunburn. Do that by seeking shade during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and when you're in the sun, wear lightweight layers and a hat to protect your skin. Apply two tablespoons of broad spectrum (UVA and UVB protecting) sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Aside from reduced risk of skin cancer, you'll also have fewer wrinkles and age spots.

Once a month inspect your skin, paying close attention to skin-cancer prone areas such as your nose, cheeks, ears, neck, and shoulders so you'll be able to notice any changes or abnormal discolorations. See a dermatologist once a year to be fully checked and don't wait to make an appointment if you notice something suspicious. Skin cancer can be fatal, but if you take precautions, you can enjoy the Summer sun without having to worry.

Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, SPF is naturally on the brain this time of year, but it's a skin care must all year long. Although the list of sun-protectant ingredients is relatively short, making sure your product contains chemical and/or physical ingredients is a necessity. But what's the difference between these two formulations anyway? Find out when you read on.

Find out if your powder foundation really has enough sunscreen to protect you and more with Allure's tips for staying sun-safe this season.

It takes just five sunburns over the course of a lifetime to double your risk of melanoma. I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, throwing such a serious stat at you, but May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and — before you close this browser window to go grab a coffee — I know what you're thinking: by now, everyone knows that skin cancer isn't a joke, right? I mean, even the friend who had an unlimited monthly pass to the tanning salon in high school switched to spray tans! As much as we know about skin cancer, though, only about 20 percent of us wear sunscreen daily. (Which is crazy, considering in a poll we did on Allure's Facebook page, 68 percent of our fans said they either have had skin cancer or know someone who has.) But here's the thing: it's never too late to start taking care of your skin. Here, a few sun-protection tricks to keep in mind as the temperatures start to rise:

• If you're the outdoorsy type, you may want to take a Summer vacation from retinols: they thin the top layer of skin and can make you vulnerable to redness and brown spots, says dermatologist Fredric Brandt.
• One bottle of sunscreen is not going to last. "One ounce is the right goal for each application, as well as for each reapplication, so a 12-ounce bottle is 12 servings — and that's not a lot," says Patricia Wexler, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Set an alarm on your phone to ring every two hours to remind you to reapply.
• If you're outside for 30 minutes or more, wear a chemical sunscreen (like one with Mexoryl SX or Parsol) topped by a physical one (with Z-Cote or titanium dioxide). "Neither type is 100 percent perfect, and whatever rays get through the first layer are caught by the second one," says Miami dermatologist Leslie Baumann.
• Think twice before you use sunscreen wipes: The FDA is reviewing their effectiveness, along with powders and shampoos containing SPF. (No decisions have been made yet.)

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OK, admit it: you don't wear sunscreen as often as you should. But with Oscar de la Renta's Sun Protection Stick SPF 30 ($26), you (and we) no longer have excuses. The small stick easily fits into any bag, so you can take it along on an outdoor run, park picnic, or long beach day. Its compact size also makes it ideal for covering spots that are often forgotten: the sides of the nose, under clothing straps, and along the tops of your ears. While it goes on a bit sticky, there is no white residue or shiny finish left behind. And as for the scent, it's beach vacation all the way. Think water floats, salty air, and orange popsicles. Too bad your excuse for forgetting sunscreen was just obliterated.

It's OK to admit you've been slacking on your sunscreen routine this season. Whip yourself back in shape with Allure's sun-safe tips.

Just because you retire your Havaianas and bikini when the temperature drops doesn't mean you should shelve the sunscreen too. The sun emits harmful UV rays all year, whether it's 90 degrees outside or 19. Now I'm going to step down from my soapbox and make a confession: Even though I'm neurotic about sun protection in the summer, I do to get a bit lax (OK, completely negligent) in winter. So I spoke with Debra Jaliman, a New York City dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, about why SPF is still important during colder months.

Ever notice how acne seems to clear up after a day of sunbathing? Although your pimples may have disappeared, you're actually putting your skin at greater risk from sun damage if you skip protection. But sometimes sunscreen causes an even worse breakout in the end. Sigh.

"While many acne patients seek the sun hoping to 'dry out' their skin, what they normally end up with is sunburned acne," explains Dr. Ava Shamban, board certified dermatologist and author of Heal Your Skin. Find out how to choose the right sunscreen, all while keeping your skin clear, when you read more.

We know you're committed to wearing sunscreen on your vacation, but do you fall off the wagon when the seasons change? Ultraviolet rays can reach your skin even on overcast days, so protecting yourself should be a year-round endeavor. That's why these sunscreens are winners; they're so light that you'll actually want to wear them every day. Learn how to add them to your regular skin care routine when you read more