Sunscreen: Tips to Wear It Well
As the weather warms, protect your skin from the sun’s damaging effects such as wrinkles, discoloration and sagging.
You know you need sunscreen. But with so many lotions, sprays and gels to choose from, how do you know which sunblock will actually prevent sunburns — and skin cancer? When it comes to shielding your skin from the sun, the type of sunscreen you choose is as important as how you use it.
Sunscreen with UV-A and UV-B protection and an SPF30 or greater applied liberally and every 30 minutes will help protect from sunburn, skin cancer, aging, spots and wrinkles. (Corbis)
“Many people blame their sunscreen when they get sunburned,” says Dr. Susan Y. Chon, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Texas. “But the problem usually isn’t the sunscreen. It’s that the user isn’t reading the label and applying the sunscreen properly.”
A daily sunscreen is truly not a bad idea. Many cosmetics have sunscreen built into them, which can be helpful with busy schedules. Before heading outdoors, follow these tips to maximize your sunscreen’s protection.
Get UV-A and UV-B protection
Always opt for a sunscreen that provides both UV-A and UV-B protection. This way, you’ll protect your skin from ultraviolet-B (UV-B) rays, which cause sunburns and skin damage, as well as ultraviolet-A (UV-A) rays that increase your risk for skin cancer and cause wrinkling, aging and spots.
Also make sure the sunscreen you choose contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients help to block both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Choose SPF 30 or higher
Always use a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or higher. The SPF in your sunscreen absorbs and reflects the sun’s rays so they don’t burn or damage your skin.
Keep in mind, though, that higher isn’t that much better when it comes to SPF numbers. Here’s why: SPF protection doesn’t increase proportionately with the designated SPF number. So while SPF 30 absorbs 97 percent of the sun’s burning rays, SPF 50 absorbs just slightly more — 98 percent.
Apply sunscreen early — and liberally
You should apply one ounce of sunscreen — the size of a golf ball — to every part of your body exposed to the sun.
Your skin can take up to a half-hour to absorb sunscreen. So, plan ahead and apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
And, don’t skimp on the sunscreen. “Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen,” Chon says. “For sunscreen to do its job effectively, you should apply one ounce of sunscreen — the size of a golf ball — to every part of your body exposed to the sun.” That includes your ears, feet and back of the neck.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours
Forget all-day protection. Sunscreen wears off after just a couple of hours. So, make sure you lather on another golf ball-sized glob every two hours.
In some cases, you should reapply sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes. Do this if you’re:
- Using a spray sunscreen. It needs to be reapplied more often because it washes off more easily.
- Swimming or sweating. Water, snow and sand can intensify the sun’s rays and cause a greater burn.
Don’t rely on sunscreen alone
For added protection, wear lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, a tightly woven hat with a wide brim and wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection.
Unfortunately, sunscreen can’t completely prevent sunburns, blisters and skin cancer. But you can give your skin some added protection by wearing:
- lip balm with SPF 30 or higher
- a tightly woven hat with a wide brim
- wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection
- a tightly woven, dark long-sleeved shirt or special sun-protective clothing
You also can protect your skin by seeking shade from the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That’s when the sun’s harmful UV rays are strongest.
“Remember, no sunscreen provides 100 percent protection from the sun,” Chon says. “But by taking these added precautions and taking the time to apply — and reapply — sunscreen properly, you can greatly curb your chances for sunburns and skin cancer.”
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.
