The benefits of being diligent with sunscreen aren’t purely aesthetic, though. Dr. Phillips reveals that he is diagnosing skin cancer more and more, particularly in young people. Specifically squamous cell carcinoma (non-melanoma skin cancer that begins as a growth of cells) and basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer that develops on areas of skin frequently exposed to UV). This, says Dr. Phillips, is often a result of consistent sun exposure over time. “Skin cancer should be recognized as a public health issue,” says Dr. Phillips, “and a preventative measure is to wear your sunscreen. It’s not just for the days you spend on the beach in the summer; it’s something you should be using every day, throughout the year.”