Studies show sunscreen is better for your skin than sitting under an umbrella

Sitting out in the sun may be fun but too much exposure can be bad for you and lead to serious health risks like skin cancer. However, many people don't properly protect themselves, opting not to put on sunscreen and just sit under an umbrella instead. Hao Ou-Yang, Ph.D., and his team recently published an article in JAMA Dermatology that showed results from a study they did where some people wore sunscreen and others sat under an umbrella. "Umbrella shade alone may not provide sufficient sun protection during extended exposure to UV rays." "Although the SPF 100 sunscreen was more efficacious than the umbrella, neither method alone prevented sunburn completely..." The team points out that while sunscreen is more effective, a combination of the two plus protective clothing is the best way to avoid sunburn.