Warm weather, snow cones, flip flops, tans and sunburns are on their way, with 9 weeks left of school summer is quickly approaching. Another thing that is associated with summer is sunscreen, it keeps you from turning to a lobster and helps prevent skin cancer. Many do not realize how important sunscreen truly is.

When worn daily sunscreen helps minimize the effects of harmful UVB and UVA on DNA. It also helps protect important proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin which keep skin firm and smooth. When you are looking for a sunscreen here are things that you should and shouldn’t look for:

Do look for the ingredients zinc, titanium dioxide, avenobenzone and Mexoryl SX, these are powerful UVA blockers that remain on the surface of the skin instead of absorbing into the body.

Don’t choose products that include ingredients that may affect hormones and/or are potentially carcinogenic (a cancer causing substance), such as insect repellent, oxybenzone and vitamin A (retinyl palmitate).

Do choose a long-lasting sunscreen that will protect from both UVB and UVA rays.

Don’t forget to reapply. Even a waterproof sunscreen will wash off, and all sunscreen can be rubbed off by sand, towels, clothing, etc.

Do apply it generously; you should apply enough to fill a shot glass.

Don’t sell yourself short, without applying enough you will not get full coverage and protection.

Do realize that sunscreen cannot do all the work so go the extra mile and dress to protect.

Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and a cover-up.

When you do not use sunscreen lotions your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, whether from the sun or tanning beds you are at risk of skin damage, skin cancer, and cataracts. So make sure to remember sunscreen when hanging outside or at the beach.