Staying safe under the scorching sun with smart sunscreen habits

It takes less than 30 minutes under the Arizona sun to damage your skin, according to Dr. Pablo Prichard with John C. Lincoln Hospital. Over time, improper – or lack of -- sunscreen use can lead to severe skin conditions.

“Unfortunately, I get 30-year-old girls – and 30-year-old guys – who look like they have the skin of 40- or 50-year-olds,” he said. 

To stay safe, Prichard recommends you do the following:

• Avoid using spray sunscreen
• Look for UVA and UVB “broad spectrum” protection on the label
• Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 30
• Apply 30 minutes BEFORE you go outside. Most sunscreen lotions take that long to take effect
• Apply a “shot glass full” every two hours