Don't Get Burned by Your Sunscreen

When it comes to sun protection, a little dab of sunscreen won't do ya. In an American Cancer Society survey, more than half of the people who had gotten sunburned said they got fried even when they were using sunscreen.

That's not entirely surprising, because few people put it on right. First, of course, you've got to buy the good stuff. Check labels for a high SPF, which protects you against burning UVB rays, and -- heads up, this is new -- look for 4 stars, which means it delivers top protection against aging, deep-damaging UVA rays.

Next, you have to use a lot: roughly two finger-length squirts of sunscreen on every major body area (arms, upper legs, lower legs, etc.). And use it often: Sunscreen, like condoms, needs to be fresh and applied frequently. Don't expect it to be effective for more than 2 hours -- make that 40 minutes if you're swimming or sweating.

Finally, don't save it for pool parties and summer sports. Before you hit the road, slather on some sunscreen, especially on your left side, because sun is sneaky -- it almost bends around corners to get you. People who develop skin cancer on the left side of their bodies tend to spend more time behind the wheel. The link: Window glass doesn't block harmful rays (although tinted windows limit UVA a bit). People who drive with the windows open, even occasionally, get more left-side skin cancers. So turn on the AC (who knew it prevented cancer?!). But plenty of potent sunscreen is still your best defense. Feel like you're swimming in the stuff? Good. You're probably using enough.

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