Summer Sun Safety Tips
Find out the best new ways to avoid sunburns and skin cancer.
July 14, 2010— -- We all know the sunscreen basics -- you need to put sunscreen on half an hour before going outside, and that you should reapply every hour or two -- but there are new ways to keep track of your sun exposure and make sure you don't fry.
Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the United States. One in five people will develop skin cancers over the course of their lives, which means it's more important than ever to protect yourself from the sun, says Dermatologist Jeanine Downie.
Downie appeared on "GMA" to talk about the best ways -- from high-tech gadgets to the best sunscreen -- to avoid sunburns and skin cancer this summer.
CLICK HERE for the Web Takeaway for Downie's top picks for sunscreens.
This app from the sunscreen maker helps take the guesswork out of sun protection, by measuring the UV index or the amount of time a fair person could be in the sun, without sunscreen, before burning. The app, designed to work on the new iPhone 4 platform, offers sunscreen reapplication reminders tailored to each family member's outdoor activity and personal preferences. You can customize it with a choice of sounds. It's the only free app of its kind to help parents keep track of their kids' sun protection to help prevent sunburns.
But if you're sweating, all bets are off. If you're playing a sport, you should still wear protective clothing, and reapply lotion on your face, even if it doesn't soak in.
UV Sunsense Wristband:
If you're swimming, playing a sport, or doing something where you can't keep a hold of your phone, there are wristbands that let you know when you need to reapply sunscreen or get out of the sun.
Designed to be used with a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, the wristband alerts you to potential excessive exposure as you work or play in the sun. It starts off yellow, turns purple with initial exposure, then goes to light tan to remind you to apply sunscreen, and finally light yellow to tell you it's time to get out of the sun.
Sun Protection Zone's Solarsafe's UV Sun Monitor Wristbands also warn when to re-apply sunscreen and when to seek shade. They're also easy to use, waterproof, and simple to wear and monitor.
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