What if you read that there was one thing you could do everyday, in the privacy of your own home, that wouldn’t cost a lot of money and would only take a few seconds to do, but that would keep you looking younger? And better yet, what if that same thing could prevent one of the most common cancers? And what if it could prevent one certain painful skin condition too?

I am of course talking about sunscreen. Sunscreen is designed to prevent the sun from injuring our skin. It is clinically proven to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and reduce wrinkles when used regularly.

Shockingly, about a third of Americans don’t use sunscreen, ever. What’s more, only 27% of men and 48% of women put on sunscreen when they are planning on being out in the sun for a couple of hours. Fewer than 3 in 10 parents make sure their kids under twelve wear sunscreen. 

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated today “Don’t Fry Day.” I encourage you to think about sun safety not just this holiday weekend, but throughout the year. Most experts recommend regular use of a sunscreen with minimum 15 SPF, labeled that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays, that you wear protective clothing (such as hats) when possible, use an adequate quantity, and reapply regularly. By “regular use” they do mean everyday, even when it’s cloudy, even when you don’t think you’ll be outside. I also recommend that you go just a little further and select a moisturizing sunscreen (or “sunscreen with moisturizer”) if possible. Moisturizers will also help you stay young looking and protect your skin from damage. Why apply two products when one will do both?

In thirty seconds a day you can prevent cancer and keep looking younger. That’s as easy as anti-aging gets.