I use sunscreen when I go outside for long periods of time. I follow the rules: apply 30 minutes before sun exposure, apply all over the body, reapply every two hours, or if you get wet or towel off. My question is, if I get a tan (I can tell because of the tan lines) am I still at risk for skin cancer? Did the sunscreen just not work? It was a 30 spf and I bought it new this year. I want to know if I'm going to be following all these rules about applying sunscreen and still be at risk, are all my efforts in vain?

judging by what i see on the news most days...yes, its a waste of time and we're all going to die. the message seems to be, dont go outside unless its either earling morning or night...great huh?

I use sunscreen when I go outside for long periods of time. I follow the rules: apply 30 minutes before sun exposure, apply all over the body, reapply every two hours, or if you get wet or towel off. My question is, if I get a tan (I can tell because of the tan lines) am I still at risk for skin cancer? Did the sunscreen just not work? It was a 30 spf and I bought it new this year. I want to know if I'm going to be following all these rules about applying sunscreen and still be at risk, are all my efforts in vain?Use a higher spf and reapply often. I don't think your efforts are in vain. A slight tan is better than a blistering burn!

sunscreen does not block the rays 100% which is why you still get a tan. It blocks out some of the harmful rays to minimize the damage on your skin. I just read an article today that the FDA finally approved a widely used ingredient (in Europe, South America and other countries) that is very successful in blocking UVA rays (which are the ones that cause some cancers and also cause wrinkles). The ones in our sunscreens right now are very effective for UVB rays, but not as successful at blocking the UVAs. Why it took them this long for it to be used in the US is beyond me.. but that's the government for you..