Although dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen every day, most people don't. Unless your foundation has an SPF already in the formula, it's recommended that you apply some sort of SPF face lotion before applying any face makeup. Some dermatologists even recommend wearing sunscreen even if your foundation has an SPF in it.

Most drug stores and beauty stores have sunscreens to match all of your skin-type needs, from oily to dry skin. Choose one that you like so that it becomes habitual; when temperature does start to heat up, you won't forget to apply your sunscreen every morning.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that SPF should be 15 or higher and be reapplied every two hours. The SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection provided by the sunscreen product.

"The [SPF] test measures the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when a person is using a sunscreen in comparison to how much UV exposure it takes to cause a sunburn when they do not use a sunscreen," says the FDA.

Dr Marina Peredo MD, owner of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, New York and clinical professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine recommends that everyone, including women who wear foundation, apply sunscreen every day.

In 2012 more than one-third of American's reported being sun-burned. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that only 45 percent of young adults age 18-24 use one or more sunscreen methods-women account for more than half of that.

"If you're going to be outdoors in the sun or even it's cloudy, you definitely need sunscreen," Dr Peredo tells Medical Daily.

Even when you have makeup on, a little touch-up of your sun block is recommended, especially if you're going to be in the sun. There are powder formulas available so that your cream foundation won't smear, run, or rub off.

When choosing a sunscreen the American Cancer Society recommends that you read the label before buying: "Sunscreens with broad spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB rays) and with sun protection factor (SPF) values of 30 or higher are recommended. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays - a higher number means more protection."

Many people, especially younger men and women, don't realize the skin-damaging effects the sun can have. The ugly head of sun damage doesn't rear its head till people are much older and by then the effects can't be reversed and can lead to more than just prematurely aged skin it can lead to skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with two million people being diagnosed annually. There are two kinds of skin cancers, nonmelanoma and melanoma. Nonmelanoma, which is the most common form, has about 1.3 million cases each year in the United States. On the other hand, melanoma, which is the least common accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.

Make sure that you let your sunscreen dry before you put on any makeup or any other creams. Also, be aware of the directions of how to apply it. Most bottles recommend applying liberally and applying it all over your face, ears, neck and arms.

Being aware of putting sunscreen on every is going to help your skin in the long run, but if you skip a day here and there especially when you're not in the direct sun it won't cause any detrimental effects. "If you're just going from your car to your office or you're going to be outside for small periods of time then it's not necessary to always wear sunscreen under your makeup," said Dr Peredo.

Sources:

"Sun's Effect on Skin - Anatomy Video: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 05 June 2013.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 July 2012. Web. 05 June 2013.

"Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer vs. Melanoma." Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer vs. Melanoma. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2013.

"Skin Cancer Foundation." Skin Cancer Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2013.

"What Are the Key Statistics about Melanoma Skin Cancer?" What Are the Key Statistics about Melanoma Skin Cancer? N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2013.