“To get the best possible sun protection, it’s important to wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, and to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, not just your face and arms,” Polcari explained.
“Everyone should apply sunscreen every time they go outside,” she added. “Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can reach your skin.”
The study also found that more women than men took advantage of the free sunscreen. Fifty-one percent of fairgoers were women, but they accounted for 57 percent of the free sunscreen users.
“Research has shown that women are more likely than men to use sunscreen, but it’s vital that men use it, too,” said Dr. Darrell Rigel, a clinical professor in the department of dermatology at New York University.
“Men over 50 have a higher risk than the general population of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and UV exposure is the most preventable skin cancer risk factor, so it’s important for men of all ages to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen,” Rigel said.
When choosing a sunscreen, Rigel suggests the following tips:
