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You likely know that it’s important to wear sunscreen. One good reason: Regular daily use can cut the risk of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, by 50 percent, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
But many people don’t apply sunscreen correctly, increasing the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. From not using enough to skipping sunscreen on cloudy days, learn how to avoid some common sun protection pitfalls.
Sources: Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Fact... + 16
- Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics. March 2026.
- Skin Cancer Foundation. Ask the Expert: Does a High SPF Protect My Skin Better? June 30, 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs. February 11, 2025.
- Mayo Clinic. Does sunscreen expire? January 9, 2024.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses. September 10, 2026.
- Skin Cancer Foundation. UV Radiation. Accessed November 9, 2026.
- National Cancer Institute. Definition of free radical. Accessed November 9, 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. June 9, 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sun Safety Facts. June 17, 2026.
- University of Utah Health. Car Windows Won't Protect You From UV Rays. May 22, 2025.
- Skin Cancer Foundation. UV Window Film & Tint. December 2024.
- Skin Cancer Foundation. Guys, Open Your Eyes! September 24, 2025.
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Melanoma of the Skin. Accessed November 9, 2026.
- Prevent Cancer Foundation. My makeup contains SPF. Do I still need to wear sunscreen? April 27, 2026.
- National Weather Service. Don't Fry Day: 5 Sun Safety Tips. Accessed November 9, 2026.
- Melanoma Focus. Childhood sunburns are raising the risk of melanoma skin cancer. May 2024.
- Nemours KidsHealth. Sun Safety. June 2022.
