Men are not protecting their skin from the sun as well as women, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study found only 14 percent of men said they regularly used sunscreen.
But women aren't doing much better; only 30 percent apply sunscreen to their face and bodies on a regular basis, according to the study.
As for what types of sunscreens do the best job of protecting you from harmful UVA and UVB rays, the CDC recommends look for those that contain the ingredient oxybenzone.
UVB rays are responsible for sunburns, while UVA rays are linked to melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
You may also want to look for sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate, an ingredient that protects against premature aging.
Dermatologists recommend always using sunscreens that are water-resistant with an SPF — or sun protection factor — of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection. Higher SPF numbers indicate more protection.
More sunscreen tips from the CDC
- Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days.
- Don't forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.
- Sunscreen works best when combined with other options to prevent UV damage.
- Reapply after 2 hours. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
- Check the expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
Source: CDC - Sun Safety