People are skipping sun protection at picnics and BBQs, says a survey. Here's why dermatologists are concerned.

Many people know that a day spent swimming in the ocean or lounging by a pool means applying a good slather of sunscreen. In fact, according to a recent American Academy of Dermatology survey, 90% of Americans use sun protection when they're on the beach or poolside.

The benefits of doing so are clear: Sunscreen not only prevents sunburns, but using even SPF 15 daily can reduce the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40 percent and melanoma by about 50 percent. Those aren’t numbers to scoff at.

However, when it comes to other popular summertime activities, such as barbecues and picnics or walks and hikes, sunscreen use declines dramatically. The survey found that 40 percent of people don’t plan to use sun protection when they go to BBQs and pools, while 31 percent don’t put on sunscreen when they go out on walks or hikes, according to the survey.

This may have to do with people’s habits or assumptions. “We grew up with our parents slathering us with sunscreen when spending time poolside or at the beach, but very few of us grew up applying SPF on a daily basis, especially on our bodies,” Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of Facet Dermatology, tells Yahoo Life.

One possible reason: People simply don’t think they need it. “Some people may think that the shade provided by trees or buildings while out for a walk, picnic or BBQ provides enough sun protection that sunscreen is not necessary,” Dr. Alberto de la Fuente Garcia, a dermatologist at Vida Wellness and Beauty with over 15 years of experience, tells Yahoo Life. “They may also think that they’re not even spending that much time outside. ... Unlike beach or pool trips, where you spend hours in direct sunlight, it’s easy to overlook the potential UV exposure from shorter trips outdoors.”

What are the harms of skipping sun protection?

Buckle up, because the health and appearance of skin are at risk in various ways when you skip sun protection. “Sun damage is one of the main causes of skin aging,” de la Fuente Garcia says. Yadav explains that “unprotected exposure to the sun causes damage to skin’s collagen as well as dysfunction of skin cells, which can lead to sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and of course, skin cancer.”

Skin cancer is in fact more common than some realize. One in five people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. But it’s not always obvious — the signs of skin cancer depend on two aspects: the type and how advanced it is.

According to de la Fuente Garcia, when it comes to non-melanoma skin cancer, look for raised bumps that are pink or red and may be fleshy, scaly, waxy and quick to bleed after scratching. For melanoma, he says, check for a dark, irregularly shaped mole or dark patch of skin, or a mole that looks different over time. “It can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening,” he adds.

So wearing sunscreen before heading outdoors is that important?

Yes. Even though it adds another step to the morning to-do list, it’s a crucial one to take daily. “Regardless of the weather, you are still susceptible to sun damage when going outside unprotected by clothing and/or SPF,” Yadav warns. “While the ozone layer provides some protection, it has been severely damaged by chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere, making the risk of sun exposure even greater.”

This goes for cloudy days too. “This is because up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause skin damage,” de la Fuente Garcia says. He recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outside.

Additionally, even hopping in the car without putting on sunscreen first can harm the skin — particularly on the left side of the face for drivers, which tends to get more sun exposure. That’s because glass windows don’t fully block out UVA rays, which can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.

How and when to apply sun protection

It’s best to apply the equivalent of a shot glass of sunscreen to the entire body and a teaspoon to the face and neck before hitting the outdoors, according to Yadav.

“Make sure you are thorough and get into the hard-to-reach areas like your ears and scalp,” de la Fuente Garcia adds. “Rub the sunscreen in completely until it is invisible on the skin.”

When you should apply it depends on the type of sunscreen. If it’s a chemical sunscreen — that is, it has oxybenzone, octinoxate or avobenzone, for example — put it on about 15 minutes beforehand, Yadav suggests. If it’s a mineral sunscreen, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, she recommends applying it immediately before leaving the house.

Reapplying is crucial, too, since sunscreen doesn’t last all day. “You need to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating, to get adequate protection,” Yadav says.

So, whether you’re taking a quick “hot girl walk,” going on a hike or are hanging out with friends and family at a picnic or BBQ, protect your skin by using sun protection before heading out the door.

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